4-Year-Long Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Man For Allegedly Posting Explicit Images On County Trails, Roads

The initial investigation was generated in 2016 by over 30 complaints

4-Year-Long Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Man For Allegedly Posting Explicit Images On County Trails, Roads

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — A Bloomer, WI, man has been arrested for allegedly posting pornographic images on county trails and roads, according to a press release from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office.

Press Release

On Friday, 10/09/2020, Deputies with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office arrested David L. Lunemann, age 60, as a result of a 4 year investigation.

The initial investigation was generated in 2016 by over 30 complaints of pornographic images and sexually explicit / homophobic notes regarding children being posted on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail system, Hickory Ridge Trails system, horse trails, and other county roadways within Chippewa County. An annual fall mountain bike / trail running race on the Hickory Ridge Trails and an annual spring trail running race on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail have been targeted of the harmful material for the last 6 years. These events have numerous juvenile participates and spectators who may have been exposed to the images and notes. Additionally, it is believed the notes were placed to harm the reputation of a local business.

The Hickory Ridge trail system, located in the Chippewa County Forest, is a top destination in the State of Wisconsin for cross country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and other recreational activities. In the last month alone, the Hickory Ridge trailhead was visited by over 550 vehicles. The popular Ice Age National Scenic Trail system runs through northern Chippewa County with the Chippewa Moraine Center, in the Town of Sampson, being its main trailhead within the county.

- Per Sheriff James Kowalczyk Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office


Sheriff Kowalczyk added in an email that David Lunemann appeared in Chippewa County Court this morning and received a $1,500.00 signature bond authorizing his release. Additional conditions of the bond were that Lunemann to have no contact with Spring Street Sports of Chippewa Falls and not to be in the Chippewa County Forest, State Trails or any place nature walks may be conducted where minors may be present. Lunemann may not use any personnel information of another in regard to identity theft.

Formal charges by the District Attorney’s Office have not yet been filed against Lunemann.

Last Update: Oct 12, 2020 1:18 pm CDT

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Crime & Court

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