Prairie du Sac Man Charged with Several Domestic Charges

Special News Release

March 1, 2011

On February 27, 2011 at approximately 4:05 a.m., the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a physical disturbance at a residence on CTH B in the Township of Troy. It was initially reported the female victim had been punched and choked. While deputies were en route, Dispatch received further information the male subject had a knife and was in the bathroom with the victim. Before deputies arrived Dispatch was notified the victim was safe in the bathroom and the subject was outside the residence walking around.

Upon arrival of deputies it was learned that Jerry Behnke, age 29, from Prairie du Sac and Rebecca Richter, age 30, of Spring Green had gotten into a physical argument in which Behnke allegedly punched, kicked and choked Richter repeatedly. Richter locked herself in the bathroom but Behnke kicked in the bathroom door. Behnke reportedly had a knife and threatened to slit Richter’s throat. Richter was able to call a friend for help at which time Behnke smashed the phone and left. Behnke was gone upon the deputies arrival but was found later that morning.

Based on statements made by Richter along with the visible injuries, Behnke was charged with False Imprisonment, Disorderly Conduct, Battery, Strangulation and Criminal Damage to Property. All were domestic related charges. Behnke was transported to the Sauk County Jail.

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Sheriff Chip Meister