SCAM Alert: Bail Bond Agent Impersonators & Ankle Monitor Offer Scam

DATE OF RELEASE:                05/02/2026

INCIDENT #:                            

SUBJECT:                                Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bail Bond Calls

AUTHORIZED BY:                    Sheriff Kevin Bygd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office would like the public to be aware of an ongoing scam involving individuals impersonating bail bond agents and contacting family members of those arrested and/or incarcerated.  The individuals request money to cover bail and sometimes offer an “ankle monitor” program.

This is not a legitimate process.  Neither Bond Agents nor the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will ever contact families directly and request money for an ankle monitor or bail.  These scams appear to be circulating throughout the country within recent weeks, but we also have seen them occur locally, in Dunn County.

Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more common. We’ve had individuals come in after sending money, believing their loved one would be released from custody — only to find out they had been scammed.

If you receive a suspicious call:

-        DO NOT send money.

-        Do not provide additional personal information, even if the caller seems to have your name, birthdate, or phone number.

-        Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire if it is a legitimate call or not.

-        Remember that local jails will only accept bond payment directly, not through any of the electronic means listed below.

Often, scammers will attempt the following:

-        They will try and keep you on the phone until you send the money.  They don’t want you to be able to contact your local jail or law enforcement agency to inquire about the call.

-        They will attempt to have you transfer money electronically through the purchase of prepaid cards or system such as MoneyPak, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, Paypal, and many others.

Please be vigilant and contact us with any concerns before sending money for bail bond, ankle monitors, or any other purpose.  These scammers know exactly when to strike, such as moments of weakness, when defenses are down.  You should also be mindful of companies that reach out to you, and never send money to an unknown source.

If you think you are on the receiving end of a scam, you can report suspicious activity to the FBI at IC3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.  You can also call the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at (715)232-1348 or visit www.DunnCountySheriff.com for more information.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd

05-02-2026 Bail Bond & Ankle Monitor Scam.pdf

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Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason Bloedow, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced on April 8, 2026, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution. Bloedow pleaded guilty to this charge on January 8, 2026.

In March and early April 2025, Bloedow sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On April 24, 2025, officers stopped and arrested Bloedow on his way back to Wisconsin after he traveled to Minnesota to pick up methamphetamine. When officers searched Bloedow’s car, they found a box containing approximately 881 grams (or roughly two pounds) of methamphetamine. Bloedow later admitted to selling approximately 28 pounds of methamphetamine and making $48,000 in profit in just a three-month period.

At sentencing, Judge Conley emphasized Bloedow’s long criminal history, noting Bloedow’s criminal conduct had continued to escalate despite his age. In arriving at a 10-year sentence, Judge Conley focused on Bloedow’s increase in the amount of methamphetamine he trafficked.

The charge against Bloedow was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Dunn County and Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington prosecuted this case.

Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DOJ News Release.pdf

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Sheriff Kevin Bygd Announces Re-Election Campaign for Dunn County Sheriff

Dunn County, WI — Today, April 15, Sheriff Kevin Bygd officially filed candidacy paperwork to seek re-election for another term as Dunn County Sheriff.

Sheriff Bygd has served with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office for 37 years, including the past seven and a half years as Sheriff. He is seeking a third term and will be collecting a minimum of 200 signatures over the next six weeks to secure a place on the ballot for the August 11th primary election and the November 3rd general election.

“It has been an honor to serve Dunn County for the past 37 years, and I hope to be given the opportunity to continue for another four years,” said Sheriff Bygd. “I strive to lead a professional, customer service–driven agency that meets the expectations of the citizens of Dunn County. While I know not every decision will make everyone happy, that is part of any leadership role.”

Sheriff Bygd emphasized his commitment to continued service, public safety, and maintaining strong relationships within the community as he seeks re-election.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd