For More Information Contact:
Dana Brueck 608/266-1221
MADISON — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed Criminal Complaints in Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago counties against Kent E. Haluska who had been doing business as Natures Pest. According to the Criminal Complaints, Haluska is charged with numerous felony offenses, including felony theft, forgery, identity theft and fraudulent writings.
The case was originally received as a consumer complaint in the DOJ for a scheme where it is alleged that Haluska would obtain credit card numbers from individuals and then charge thousands of dollars to their accounts without permission. The charges were related to removal of bats and/or squirrels from property. He also is alleged to have changed documents signed by the victims and created contracts without the consent of the victims.
This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation. The State is being represented by Assistant Attorneys General Richard J. Dufour and Phillip Ferris.
Copies of the Summons and Complaint for each of the counties are available at the following links:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/summons-complaint-brownco-haluska-kent-20111116.pdf
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/summons-complaint-winnebagoco-haluska-kent-20111116.pdf
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/summons-complaint-outagamieco-haluska-kent-20111116.pdf
While Haluska has been charged with a crime, he is presumed innocent, and the State will need to prove any charges against him beyond a reasonable doubt. Initial appearances will be held in Winnebago County on November 21, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., Brown County on November 22, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., and Outagamie County on November 22, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.
