Adam Rice, a former Iowa County Correctional Officer, has been arrested and faces two felony Class I charges for Misconduct in Public Office, as well as two misdemeanor counts relating to theft and possession of illegally obtained prescription medication. The felony charges pertain to Inconsistent Duty with Intent to Obtain Dishonest Advantage and Office Fraud involving records or statements.
Rice was taken into custody on March 19 and transported to the Sauk County Jail while he awaited his bond hearing on Friday, March 20 in Iowa County Court. He appeared via Zoom and was in custody. Sauk County Assistant District Attorney C. Remington McConnell appeared via Zoom for the State of Wisconsin requesting Iowa County Judge Matthew Allen to set a signature bond at $1500. Attorney Jeffrey Erickson appeared for Rice from the public defender’s office. Rice qualifies for a public defender, and one will be appointed to him.
McConnell briefed Judge Allen that Rice was a deputy at the Iowa County Jail and in his capacity as a jailor he was handling prescription medications, and during the course of his employment he stole one pill, Adderall, and then altered a ledger, resulting in misconduct in office for altering that ledger, and then taking and possessing the pill without permission.
According to a press release from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, following an external investigation with Sauk County, Rice, 33, a resident of Highland, Wisconsin, had been employed as a correctional officer with the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department for nearly four years. Concerns were initially raised by Iowa County team members who identified documentation that was not consistent with standard procedures. These irregularities were promptly brought to the attention of the leadership team, and an internal review was initiated.
To ensure transparency and impartiality, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct an independent investigation. Upon completion of their investigation, Sauk County authorities arrested Rice.
“I would like to thank Sheriff Chip Meister and his team for their assistance with this investigation,” said Sheriff Michael Peterson. “I am proud of our staff for recognizing that something was not right, bringing it forward, and ensuring it was addressed. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and when that standard is not met, we will take decisive action and ensure full accountability.”
Judge Allen set Rice’s signature bond at $1500 with no special conditions. He cannot use or possess any controlled substances without a valid prescription. He needs to appear in person at his initial appearance which is scheduled for April 28 at 9:00 a.m. in Iowa County Court.