Second Person Sentenced in Burnett County Drug Sweep Case

BURNETT COUNTY -- The second of six criminal cases that were filed following the culmination of a drug investigation in Burnett County has closed.

BACKSTORY

According to a press release, on October 15, 2025, at approximately 10:10a, the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office conducted three simultaneous drug search warrants in the Village of Grantsburg.

These warrants were obtained based on information gathered from an investigation into drug trafficking in the Grantsburg area.

The warrants resulted in six arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

The Grantsburg Police Department, Siren Police Department, and Burnett County Human Services assisted the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Six people received criminal charges in Burnett County Circuit Court: Orval Simon, Rita Wenzel, Daniel Blahowski, Dominique Fleckner, Bradley Belisle, and Larry Kruger.

Orval Simon, age 59, of Grantsburg – Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Class H Felony Bail Jumping, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Misdemeanor Violation of a Restraining Order.

The charges filed against Orval were dismissed and read in during a hearing on November 19, 2025. Orval was sentenced on convictions for two counts of Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine that were filed against him in two separate Burnett County court cases. Orval was ordered to serve 100 days in county jail with 79 days of credit, followed by 1 year of probation and 6 months of additional jail time, imposed and stayed.

UPDATE

Rita Wenzel, age 57, of Grantsburg – Class E Felony Manufacture / Deliver Amphetamine (>3-10g). On October 16, 2025, Rita appeared for a bail bond hearing. The Hon. Judge Melissia Mogen ordered a $10,000 cash bond. Rita appeared while in custody on November 17, 2025, for a preliminary examination hearing. Judge Mogen heard testimony and found probable cause to bind over. Rita appeared most recently on January 29, 2026, and Judge Mogen granted a motion to amend her bond to $5,000 cash. That bond was posted the same day. Rita is scheduled to make another court appearance in May 2026.

Daniel Blahowski, age 64, of Grantsburg– Class I Felony Maintain Drug Trafficking Place, two counts of Class E Felony Manufacture / Deliver Amphetamine (>3-10g), Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor Possession of THC, Misdemeanor Resisting an Officer, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On October 16, 2025, Judge Mogen ordered a $10,000 cash bond for Blahowski. On November 19, 2025, Judge Mogen heard a motion by Blahowski’s defense counsel and amended the bond to $2,500. Blahowski waived his preliminary examination hearing in January 2026 and appeared most recently on March 12, 2026. He is scheduled to appear again in April 2026.

Dominique Fleckner, age 31, of Grantsburg – Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine as a Party to a Crime, Class I Felony Possession of THC 2+ Offense, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two counts of Misdemeanor Child Neglect. Dominique was placed on a $500 cash bond on October 16, 2025. Her bond was posted a few days later. She appeared for a preliminary examination hearing in January 2026, and probable cause was found by the Court to bind her over. She is set to appear again on March 30, 2026.

Bradley Belisle, age 47, of Grantsburg – Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine as a Party to a Crime, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two counts of Misdemeanor Child Neglect. Bradley is subject to a $500 cash bond that was ordered on October 16, 2025. He appeared for a preliminary examination hearing in January 2026, and Judge Mogen found probable cause to bind him over. He is scheduled to appear again on March 30, 2026.

Larry Kruger, age 65, of Grantsburg – Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Larry was placed on a $500 cash bond when he appeared for a bail bond hearing on October 16, 2025. His bond was posted the next day. Kruger appeared most recently on March 26, 2026, for a plea and sentencing hearing on his case. Judge Mogen accepted Larry’s plea of Guilty to an amended charge of Misdemeanor Possession of Amphetamine. The remaining charge was dismissed and read in. Judge Mogen ordered Kruger to pay $500 in court costs, fines, and fees.

Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.