On Tuesday, a 35-year-old Wisconsin man was charged with attempting to fool and coerce people into submitting pornographic images by acting as a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy and a local attorney.
According to court records, Daniel Anderson, 35, is facing three felony and three minor charges following a nearly month-and-a-half investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated that a victim came forward and reported text message interaction with Anderson, who claimed to be a deputy. Anderson offered to assist her in removing the victim’s legal charges in exchange for explicit images and sexual activities.
In exchange for her cooperation, Anderson promised to “purge the pending criminal charges” from the computer system.
Investigators took over communication with Anderson, who was still acting as the victim. Anderson allegedly emailed the undercover investigators a photo of himself dressed in a uniform.
It was also uncovered during the inquiry that Anderson had more victims. In one instance, he allegedly pretended to be her husband’s divorce attorney in order to collect images from another victim.
The investigation revealed that Anderson was a tow driver for Homer’s Towing and had identified two victims while towing their automobiles after law police sought towing services. He contacted the victims quickly after towing their automobiles in both situations. In this case, Washington County investigators collaborated with Homer’s Towing service.
Anderson is charged with the following, according to court records:
- Threats to Injure/Accuse of Criminal Activity: Felony H Impersonating a Peace Officer: Misd. A
- Threatened/Obscene Computer Message: Misd. B
- Misuse of ID Information – Negative Impact on Reputation: Felony H
- Threatens to Disseminate Derogatory Information: Felony I
- Threatened Computer Message/Obscenity Misd. B
“This case is particularly concerning because the suspect betrayed our community trust by using his position as a tow driver to manipulate vulnerable victims,” said Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis.
Tow truck drivers are important public safety partners, and he took advantage of it. I’d want to thank Homer’s Towing for terminating the suspect’s employment so quickly after learning of the arrest.”
Anderson appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday, and the court set a $15,000 cash bond. On January 24, 2024, he will return to the Washington County Courthouse for another hearing.
At this time, no more victims have been discovered; however, if you had your automobile towed by Homer’s Towing and then received questionable text messages, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at (262) 335-4846.
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