Crime rate down 147% since 2021 & cleanup begins in the City of Wautoma

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  • Wautoma Police Chief Paul Mott
    Wautoma Police Chief Paul Mott
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Wautoma Chief of Police Paul Mott gave his 2023 annual report to the Wautoma Common Council at City Hall on March 11. The report included many positive numbers including a 147% reduction in violent and property in the city since 2021. In 2021 the city received a D- crime rating that also included Livability, Demographics, Housing, Health & Safety, and Schools, in 2023 the crime rating rose to an A+ with crime in the city down 147%. Chief Mott emphasized how important these numbers are when people are looking to relocate to Wautoma.
The Wautoma Police Department team includes: Chief Mott, Lt. Joey Rosin, SRO Lafe Hendrickson, FTO Justin Jackson, PT Connor Wilson, PT Matt Elliott, Dominic Ehrke, Haley Lewandowski, PT Brennan Crowley, Justin Wolff, K9 Griz, Clerk Gail Houghton, and Interpreter Jesse Minehan.
The department reported 267 agency assists, 189 citizen assists, 98 medical assists, 63 traffic accidents, 95 threatened suicides, 64 welfare checks, and 637 traffic stops.
Chief Mott said he also serves as a mentor for Treatment Court, along with Lt. Rosin, and Lewandowski, attending court with individuals and reporting weekly on the treatment progress to Chief Judge Guy Dutcher and the treatment court team. The officers also conduct home visits and inspections to help participants stay drug free.
The report included four significant cases including a Sex Offense case. Chief Mott obtained a confession from Adam Henning in reference to multiple incidents of sexual assault and Henning is currently held pending trial.
Shots Fired - On May 28, 2023 WPD received a report of shots fired during a fight in the downtown business district. After interviews with witnesses and collecting multiple shell casings from the roadway, Chief Mott interviewed Juan Nino Sr. who confessed to the shooting. The firearm used was located and seized.
Drug Induced Homicide - On March 6, 2023 WPD received a report of a deceased individual in an apartment. Evidence of fentanyl/heroin use was evident in the death. Chief Mott later interviewed Manuel Rios who admitted to delivering heroin to the deceased. Rios was charged with Reckless Homicide and is currently being held in jail.
Weapons Offense – On Feb. 21, 2023 WPD received a report of an individual acting suspicious at a gas station. Lt. Rosin responded and offered assistance to Joseph Lasecki. While within arms lengths of Lt. Rosin, Lasecki drew a loaded revolver from his pocket and raised it. A struggled began and Lt. Rosin was able to wrestle the firearm away from Lasecki. Lt. Rosin received multiple commendations for the incident.
Chief Mott said that the department is involved in the community and attends sporting events and civic events and he believes this serves as a crime deterrent as well as public service.
Following the report, Tommy Bohler, City Administrator, commended Chief Mott and his department for their service to the City of Wautoma. “One of the best things the council did was hire Chief Mott,” added Alderman Pat King.
In other business the council stressed cleaning up the city and there are 15 properties in violation with unregistered vehicles and unsightly debris. Those properties have been issued a warning and have seven days to respond. If they do not respond a citation will be issued giving them 20 days and if there is not compliance, the city will remove the vehicles, tires, junk etc. at the expense of the property owner.
Chief Mott said that each ward in the city will have an officer assigned and it will be their duty to check for unregistered vehicles and unsightly debris. To assist with cleanup there will be dumpsters at City Hall beginning May 23-June 29. Citywide Rummage Sale dates are June 21, 22 & 23.
Administrator Bohler also said that he was on the ballot for Municipal Judge in the April election as there were no other candidates. After considerable discussion he said that after the election it will appoint Attorney Tom Kubasta to the position for a four-year term.
The Resolution Petitioning the Secretary of Transportation for Airport Improvement Aid was corrected to Reflect New Government Language was approved by the council. The airport improvements approved are covered 95% by federal aid.
The next meeting of the Wautoma Common Council will be held at City Hall at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 8.