WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. — A Germantown man is facing criminal charges after prosecutors say he impersonated a Washington County sheriff deputy to obtain sex acts and explicit photos. Investigators believe the suspect used his actual work as a tow truck driver to target vulnerable victims.
After a month-long investigation, 35-year-old Daniel Anderson was arrested on Dec. 22 by Washington County investigators. He was charged in Washington County Circuit Court Tuesday for attempting to "trick and extort victims into sending explicit photographs" by posing as a deputy and local attorney. He now faces several charges including extortion, impersonating a police officer, and disorderly conduct.
Authorities say the investigation began after a victim came forward in November and reported receiving text messages from someone claiming to be a deputy. The individual, identified as Anderson, was offering to rid legal charges the victim was facing in exchange for nude photos and sex.
According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, "Anderson told the victim he could purge the pending criminal charges from the computer system in exchange for her cooperation."
Lieutenant Tim Kemps says the evidence of the messages she received on Snapchat kicked the investigation into high gear, “So they were concerned someone was corrupt basically.”
According to court records, Anderson "stated he works in the Washington County Jail, and he has been a deputy for 11 years."
Investigators then took over communication with Anderson and pretended to be the victim, as they worked to identify the suspect. Anderson sent a photo of what he claimed to be himself in uniform.
Lt. Kemps says it turns out, Anderson was a tow truck driver for Homer’s Towing Service the night of that victim’s arrest. He contacted her with the information she provided when she got her car back. Anderson was arrested while on the job on Dec. 22.
Authorities then learned he had contacted other victims. In a separate case, Anderson allegedly pretended to be the victim's husband's divorce attorney and attempted to obtain photos.
Washington County investigators worked with the Homer's Towing Service on the investigation. The company’s owner tells TMJ4 News Anderson has since been fired, and his company is helping investigators in every way they can.
Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis stated, “This case is particularly concerning because the suspect betrayed our community's trust by using his position as a tow driver to manipulate vulnerable victims. Tow drivers are critical public safety partners, and he took advantage of that relationship. I want to thank Homer’s Towing for terminating the suspect’s employment shortly after their notification of the arrest.”
No other victims have been identified at this time, but Lt. Kemps worries there could be more victims after hearing Anderson’s confession.
“He told us he thought 7-10 people he tried this with,” said Lt. Kemps.
TMJ4 News normally does not show you mug shots, but an exception has been made. It is because the Washington County Sheriff’s Office warns there could be more extortion victims of Anderson.
If you had your car towed by Homer's Towing and received suspicious text messages shortly afterward, authorities would like to hear from you. Contact Lieutenant of Detectives Tim Kemps at: tim.kemps@washcowisco.gov or call (262) 335-4846.
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