PORTAGE Wis.-According to the Portage Daily Register, a Rock Springs man spotted in a restricted area near the Columbia County Jail has been accused of attempting to steal a wooden pallet there owned by the county.
Aaron Martin was caught last week after a sheriff's department detective noticed a suspicious-looking vehicle in a restricted area near the back of the jail, according to court records.
Detective Dan Garrigan allegedly saw Martin get out of the vehicle and pick up a pallet. The criminal complaint filed against Martin said he stated he worked for a pallet company that the county contracts to pickup used pallets and have them refurbished and sold. But authorities said officials with that company stated it didn't employ Martin.
Lt. Roger Brandner subsequently asked to search Martin's vehicle and received permission, finding a pipe believed to be used to smoke marijuana, according to the complaint. Martin was charged with attempted theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.
If convicted of both, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 165 days in jail and fined up to $5,500. He was released on a $1,000 signature bond after his initial court appearance Friday, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 22.
