Green Lake, WI — A Wisconsin man who staged his own kayaking death and fled to Europe has been sentenced to jail time for causing an extensive search that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The bizarre case has left authorities and the local community shocked by the lengths the man went to deceive investigators.
Ryan Borgwardt Sentenced for Obstructing Officers
According to reports from FOX 9, Ryan Borgwardt, 45, was convicted on Tuesday of obstructing an officer. He received a sentence of 89 days in jail, nearly double the length recommended under the initial plea deal. The sentence corresponds to the amount of time investigators believe he misled authorities during the extensive search for him.
In addition to the jail sentence, Borgwardt is required to pay $30,000 in restitution to cover the costs incurred by multiple agencies during the search. The funds will reimburse law enforcement for manpower, equipment, and operational expenses involved in combing the lake and surrounding areas.
The Faked Drowning Incident
Borgwardt was reported missing in early August 2024 after he failed to return from a fishing and kayaking trip on Green Lake, Wisconsin. Authorities initially feared the worst, believing that he had drowned.
Investigators later revealed that the incident had been entirely staged. Borgwardt allegedly overturned his kayak, dropped his phone into the lake, and used a flotation device to reach shore undetected. From there, he rode an E-bike that he had stashed nearby, before making his way to a bus that took him to Detroit. From Detroit, he reportedly crossed into Canada, ultimately boarding a flight to Europe.
Evidence of the Deception
Authorities discovered additional evidence pointing to a planned escape. Borgwardt had:
- Transferred money to a foreign bank account
- Replaced the hard drive on his personal computer
- Communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan
- Taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy earlier that year
- Obtained a new passport, which was verified by Canadian authorities shortly after he was reported missing
These actions suggested premeditation and careful planning, as investigators concluded that Borgwardt intended to disappear without a trace.
“Borgwardt’s actions not only caused significant emotional distress to his family but also required extensive resources from multiple law enforcement agencies,” authorities stated.
Impact on Community and Law Enforcement
The case prompted a massive multi-agency search involving local police, sheriff’s deputies, and search and rescue teams. Residents and officials alike were stunned by the scale of the deception, as the search efforts had spanned multiple days and utilized significant manpower, boats, and aerial support.
Authorities emphasized the serious consequences of falsely reporting a death or disappearance, noting that it diverts resources from other emergencies and creates unnecessary risk for both search personnel and the public.
Legal Outcome and Restitution
With the 89-day jail sentence and $30,000 restitution, prosecutors hope the punishment will serve as a deterrent for similar future incidents. The sentence also underscores the seriousness with which courts treat cases involving obstruction of law enforcement and falsifying emergencies.
Borgwardt’s actions not only jeopardized public trust but also highlighted the lengths some individuals might go to manipulate systems for personal gain, including life insurance or escaping personal obligations.
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