RUSK COUNTY — Two siblings have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged attempt to illegally record a Rusk County Board closed session, according to a press release from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
Over the course of the last several weeks, the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, along with the Rusk County IT Department and the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, have been investigating a crime that impedes the ability of a governmental body to discuss matters with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Siblings, Stephanie Christianson, age 34, and Alan Christianson, age 37, have been arrested and charged with violating WI SS 968.31 - Intentionally uses, attempts to use or procures any other person to use or attempt to use any electronic, mechanical or other device to intercept any oral communication. This is due to their involvement in attempting to record a county board closed session, which occurred on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
It makes no difference to me if you are elected or appointed to local office, a member of the general public, or what position or title you hold. If you commit or attempt to commit a crime in Rusk County, you will be investigated and arrested if there is probable cause that such a crime was committed.
This investigation is on-going and there may be more charges and arrests in the future if warranted. I am unable to provide any more details on this investigation at this time.
— Per Rusk County Sheriff Phil Grassmann
Last Update: Sep 23, 2025 1:12 pm CDT
