BURNETT COUNTY -- A guilty plea has been entered by an 18-year-old Siren, WI man who was charged with Class I Felony Substantial Battery following an incident in a 16-year old was stabbed, and the Court has ordered a sentence of 18 months of probation for him.

Dakota Dawson, of Siren, WI plead guilty to his charge of Class I Felony Substantial Battery in Burnett County Circuit Court on August 11, 2017. His charges of Class F Felony Physical Abuse of a Child as well as Class B Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct were dismissed but read-in by the Court for consideration in his sentencing.

Dawson was charged after a report of a stabbing was received by the Burnett County Sheriff's Office. Investigators went to the Burnett Medical Center to meet with the victim who was being treated for stab wounds to the back. The victim stated that Dawson engaged in an argument with him which culminated with Dawson stabbing him.

Public record indicates that the Court sentenced Dawson to 18 months of probation under the supervision of the Department of Corrections (DOC), Probation & Parole. Dawson must also complete a mental health evaluation, complete any recommendations of the DOC, undergo an Alcohol and Drug Assessment, and may not consume any alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs (unless properly prescribed). Another condition of Dawson's probation is that he must pay restitution to the victim, and he may not have any contact with the victim unless approved by the DOC.

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Siren Man Charged With Substantial Battery after Stabbing Incident

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 | by Ben Dryden

BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. -- An 18-year-old Siren man has been charged with Class I Felony Substantial Battery and Class F Felony Physical Abuse of a Child as well as Class B Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct with Use of a Dangerous Weapon following an incident in which he allegedly stabbed a 16-year old.

According to the criminal complaint, Dakota Dawson has been charged in Burnett County Circuit Court following an incident which occurred on April 29, 2017. The Burnett County Sheriff's Office responded to the Burnett Medical Center for a stabbing victim.

The criminal complaint states that a juvenile victim was at the hospital getting treated for injuries after being stabbed. Dawson reportedly was drinking with the juvenile victim (identified as Juvenile 1) and another underage individual (identified as Juvenile 2) when an argument broke out. Dawson was allegedly making racial slurs against an ex-girlfriend of Juvenile 2 who exchanged punches with Dawson.

Officers spoke with both juvenile victims as well as family members and friends of the two victims and observed injuries sustained by Juvenile 1 who stated that he tried to break up the fight between Juvenile 2 and Dawson, but that he then ended up in a fight with Dawson during which he felt a jab to his back. When Juvenile 1 reached behind and touched his back, his hand was covered in blood. Investigators also reviewed a video of Dawson that Juvenile 1 showed them.

Investigators responded to the address in question on Fink Road and could hear yelling coming from a garage. The criminal complaint goes on to state that they located Dawson based on identification from the video that Juvenile 1 had shown them.

Officers noted a strong odor of intoxicants coming from Dawson. The criminal complaint states that Dawson stated repeatedly to officers that he stabbed Juvenile 1 because he was defending himself. Officers noted that Dawson had swelling above his left eye and behind his left ear.

Public record shows that Dawson appeared on May 2, 2017, for a bail bond hearing and was placed under the conditions of a $2,500 signature bond.

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.