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Local online sex trade revealed in Middleton investigation

A Middleton man was caught in an online prostitution ring, which is just the tip of the Internet crime iceberg, authorities said. Law enforcement said prostitution is prevalent online, but finding the culprits can get complex, expensive and time consuming.

Just a few clicks of the mouse and Web users will find they can buy or sell almost anything on sites like backpage.com.

Ads can be found promising $80 specials for a "good time."

"It's a very easy way for them to sell their wares and make victims available for victimization on the Internet," said Dean Stensberg, director of public affairs with the state Department of Justice.

Alvin Siller, 38, known as "Slim," has been charged with more than a dozen felony offenses, including human trafficking, pimping and child enticement. Siller is accused of using backpage.com to advertise women for sex.

It's a case Middleton police have been tracking for more than a year.

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Raptor experts ask observers not to disturb owl

Raptor experts ask observers not to disturb owl

Humane Society encourages watchers to keep distance  

Since a rare owl was spotted last week in Middleton, curious watchers and birders from near and far have stopped by to get a peek at it.

Clarence "Owl Man" Cameron, a Madison artist who's been sculpting owls for 46 years, said the normally rarely seen great grey is characterized by its deceptively large head, which is mostly plumage.

"Their heads are actually rather small, [what you see] is just about all feathers," Cameron said.

Dane County Humane Society’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation program, has been monitoring the great grey owl in Middleton. Wildlife Center representatives said keeping distance is for the better wellness of the bird.

Brooke Lewis, wildlife rehab supervisor with DCHS, said the great grey will eventually need to return back north, which will require peak health.

Bunny to stop by business group's Easter event at Fireman's Park

Bunny to stop by business group's Easter event at Fireman's Park

Saturday gathering to include egg hunt, face painting, goodie bags   

On Saturday, the Downtown Middleton Business Association will host an Easter egg hunt from 10-11 a.m.

Organizers said the egg hunt will take place at the top of the gathering at Fireman’s Park, 7420 North Ave., and other events will include face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The business association will also hand out bags with candy, coupons and promotional items after the egg gathering to the first 450 kids, the group said.

Organizers said the little egg hunters line up at 10:05 a.m. and Ald. Howard Teal will count down and release them to find eggs.

According to the association, kids can also visit with Middleton police, EMS and the fire department at the event.

Participants are asked to bring a donation for the Middleton Outreach Ministry and kids should bring their own baskets, the association said.

Middleton man sentenced in embezzlement case

A Middleton man was sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison and restitution for his role in an embezzlement case involving a Madison company.

Erick Torrez, 36, was a distributor service representative for Hy Cite between 2002- 2009. Prosecutors said between April 2006 and July 2009 Torrez diverted $147,244 from Hy Cite to a bank account he controlled.

Hy Cite sells cookware and air and water filtration systems.

Torrez was sentenced Thursday to 21 months in prison and was ordered to pay $147,244 in restitution. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 10.

Fight leads to 6th offense OWI arrest

Fight leads to 6th offense OWI arrest

A Middleton woman was arrested on suspicion of sixth offense operating while intoxicated after police responded to a report of a fight at a bar Wednesday morning.

Middleton police were called to Club Tavern at 1915 Branch St. at 1:54 a.m. for a report of a fight. Police said one of the people involved in the fight was backing out of a parking spot when they arrived.

Police said Dawn M. Jessie, 50, of Middleton, failed field sobriety tests. She was also arrested on suspicion of operating after revocation and operating without insurance.

Police use social media to connect with public

CCR owner built company from scratch

The owner of a foster care company accused of misusing $6.1 million in taxpayer dollars built his operation from the ground up.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports Dan Simon began Community Care Resources 23 years ago. He built the company into the largest for-profit foster care placement agency in the state, licensing foster parents and contracting with counties to place children in their homes. The newspaper reported the company generates about $6 million in annual revenue.

The state Department of Children and Families revoked CCR's license. The agency alleges CCR misused tax dollars to inflate salaries, purchase luxury cars and personal travel. Simon has denied the allegations.