(Photo of Al Capone's Hideout Northwoods Retreat; actually residence located approximately 200 yards away)
Charges of drug possession, domestic disorderly conduct, and felon in possession of a firearm were filed in Sawyer County Circuit Court this week against Michael J. Isham, Sr and Mari Isham, father and sister of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Chairman, Michael “Mic” Isham.
The charges came as a result of a domestic abuse 911 call made approximately 6:07 pm on February 14 of this year. The caller stated that Mari said her father was hitting her at 12101 Hideout Road, which is the residence located at the former Al Capone’s Hideout, a tribally-owned property.
Michaal Isham, Sr, is employed by the LCO tribe as caretaker of the property and both, he and Mari live at the residence. Mari has two children, 8 and 1, who also live there. The children were home at the time of the 911 call.
The 911 caller was another sister of Chairman Isham’s who remained on the phone throughout the incident between Isham Sr and Mari.
According to the incident report, while Mari and Michael, Sr were filling out their statements, a Sawyer County Sheriff’s Deputy observed in plain view on a shelf in the living room, two marijuana smoking devices and a gem baggie with a green leafy substance. The deputy reported that three pill bottles were also on the shelf, legal prescriptions to both Isham Sr and Mari. The deputy said the marijuana, pipes and pill bottles were all within reach of the 8-year old.
Michael Isham Sr told deputies that Mari put the bag of marijuana on the shelf to set him up. Mari told deputies she didn’t even “smoke weed” and gave the deputies permission to search her room. While in the room, one deputy picked up her purse at which time she said they would have to have a search warrant to look in the purse, according to the incident report.
A probable cause search warrant was signed and issued by Judge John Yackel and a search was conducted of the residence about 8:30 pm.
While searching Mari’s purse, deputies found two pen straws with white powdery residue caked on the inside, a small purple plastic container with white powdery residue, two pill crushers and prescription pills belonging to Mari.
According to the incident report, also found were two cut corners of a sandwich bag and a regular sandwich bag, all with white powdery substance in them, and a small tray with hearts on it that had white powdery residue on it.
Two other prescription bottles filled with pills with separate individual’s names on them were also located. The two individuals are Lac Courte Oreilles tribal members but not affiliated with the residence.
Mari Isham was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a drug prescription that wasn’t hers. She was also charged with domestic disorderly conduct.
As deputies were searching the rest of the home, a 50 caliber Traditions Inc. Buckskinner Muzzle Loader was found in a closet. Deputies ran criminal histories on both Ishams and discovered Michael Sr had multiple previous felony convictions, his most recent in 2006 for substantial battery with intent to cause bodily harm.
Isham Sr was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, domestic disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He has a scheduling conference planned for May 23 in the Sawyer County Court.
DrydenWire.com will continue to update the community on this situation when any significant activity or progress develops.
DrydenWire.com reminds our readers that arrested or charged individuals are presumed innocent until convicted by judge or jury.
Last Update: Apr 01, 2017 6:45 pm CDT
