Local News
Former School Employee Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Student
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Reedsburg Police Chief Patrick Cummings jointly
report developments in an ongoing, multi-jurisdictional sexual assault investigation.
The joint investigation began mid to late June 2025 when the Sheriff’s Office received a
report alleging that an adult female had sexual contact with underage victims, on multiple
occasions, in multiple locations.
The Sheriff’s Office and Reedsburg Police, with the assistance of the Hillsboro Police
Department, have been vigorously investigating the serious allegations.
Early Monday afternoon, June 30, 2025, Ashley Ann Benson, age 33, of rural Coon Valley, WI
was arrested in Vernon County and booked for:
1) § 948.095(2) – Sex Assault of Student by School Staff
2) § 948.02(2) – 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of Child
3) § 948.09 – Sex with Child Age 16 or Older
Benson appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court Tuesday morning, July 1st, for a bail
hearing. A $5,000.00 Signature Bond was ordered with conditions of no-contact with the
victims. Benson is also ordered not to have any unsupervised contact with anyone under
the age of 18 except for incidental contact in public places. Benson’s initial appearance
has been scheduled for July 22nd, at 8:30 AM.
Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-
Fisher. A charge is merely an accusation. Benson is presumed innocent unless and until
proven guilty. Pending further investigation, additional charges are expected in Sauk
County, and possibly other jurisdictions.
Sheriff Torgerson and Chief Cummings would like to thank their detectives, as well as the
overwhelming support from the Hillsboro Police Department for all of their hard work,
diligence, and collaboration investigating these cases of a delicate nature.
Ashley Benson was previously employed both at a private and public K-12 school in the
Viroqua area.
The investigation continues.
If you have any information about these crimes, call the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office at
608-637-2123 or the Reedsburg Police Department at (608) 524 2376. You can also call
Crime Stoppers at 608-637-TIPS (8477), or 1 (888) TIP-SAUK, or submit an online tip at
www.p3tips.com.
Stoughtenger Named New Assistant Principal at Mauston High School
Earlier this summer Randy Gyllin was named the new Principal at Mauston High School. Mike Stoughtenger has now been named the assistant principal at Mauston High School. Stoughtenger will officially serve as the assistant principal for Mauston High School and iLead Charter School as well as Principal of Lemonweir Academy. Stoughtenger previously served as a Middle School Science teacher, Dean of Students at the Middle School, as well as Athletic Director at Olson Middle School. Stoughtenger also served as the head varsity baseball coach at Mauston from 2017-2024. Stoughtenger says he is looking forward to the opportunity.
Adams County Drug & Gun Bust
On June 25, 2025 the Adams County Sheriff’s Office served search warrants at three separate residences in Adams County. Locations included the 400 block of Raymond St. in Village of Friendship, the 1400 block of Evergreen Ave in the Town of Easton and 1000 block of Fern Ave in the Town of Springville. This was a coordinated effort related to recent drug activity.
Throughout all three locations the following items were discovered; over 40 grams of Methamphetamine, over 40 grams THC, 2.94 grams of Fentanyl, 1.23 grams of Cocaine, multiple items of drug paraphernalia including smoking devices and scales, a short-barreled shotgun, two hand guns, ammunition and cash.
Multiple subjects were taken into custody or will have charges referred to the Adams County District Attorneys Office. Some of those charges include:
Cory Pagel, age 31 of Adams, WI – Possession of Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Short-Barreled Shotgun and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Torrey Akkerman, age 40 of Friendship, WI – Possession with intent to deliver Meth, Possession of THC, Maintain Drug Trafficking Location, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Valid Prescription
Elizabeth Brigman, age 35 of Friendship, WI – Possession with intent to deliver Meth, Possession of THC, Maintain Drug Trafficking Location, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Valid Prescription
Joseph Baker, age of 31 Wis. Rapids, WI – Obstructing an Officer
Alexander Mcallister, age 26 of Friendship, WI – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Bail Jumping
Sam Smith, age 58 of Friendship, WI – Possession of Meth, Possession of THC and Maintain Drug Trafficking Location
Ryan Gandee age 31 of Friendship, WI – Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Dean Best, age 50 of Grand Marsh, WI – Possession of Meth, Possession of THC, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintain Drug Trafficking Location
Jessica Ambrose, age 36 of Grand Marsh, WI – Possession of Meth, Possession of THC, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintain Drug Trafficking Location
Jesse Stone, age 18 of Grand Marsh, WI – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by members of the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force, Adams County Health and Human Services and Lifestar Ambulance.
Woman Arrested for 4th Offense OWI in Monroe County
Cynthia Anne Palbicke, 62 years of age, from Pell Lake Wisconsin has been arrested by the
Wisconsin State Patrol Tomah Post for operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 4th offense.
On Monday, June 30th, 2025 a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper made a routine traffic stop on a
vehicle for traveling over the posted speed limit. Upon making contact with the driver of the vehicle,
signs of impairment were observed. The trooper conducted standardized field sobriety tests on the
driver. The driver was subsequently arrested for Operating while intoxicated 4th offence
Juneau County Arrest Report 7-1-25
Adams County Pig Owner Gets his Bacon Back
A Vietnamese pot-bellied big named Bacon has been returned to its owner in Adams County. Bacon was sizzling across the streets of 11th Ave. and Evergreen Drive. Bacon was not a threat despite having tusks. The owner is glad to have his bacon back.
Mauston Police Dept. Travels to Green Bay for Lights of Christmas Ride
On Sunday, four members of the Mauston Police Department along with other law enforcement agencies traveled to Green Bay to participate in the Police Lights of Christmas Ride with the Lights fundraising event. Police Lights of Christmas distributes gift cards and backpacks filled with hygiene products to law enforcement agencies to distribute within their communities around Christmas.
Up Tick in Vehicular Thefts in Mauston
The Mauston Police Department has seen more thefts from unlocked cars lately. Make sure to lock your vehicle—it only takes a second and helps keep your belongings safe. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mauston Police Department at 608-847-6363.
Beware of Road Construction in Mauston Early this Week
Road construction is taking place on North Union from the intersection at Walgreens to Sherman St.
There will be one lane traffic today 6/30 and tomorrow 7/1 with the project ending on Wednesday.

