Multiple Criminal Cases Recently Dismissed In Three Counties

(DrydenWire) - Four criminal court cases have been recently dismissed in three area circuit courts: Washburn, Burnett, and Barron. DrydenWire had previously published posts regarding the criminal charges that were filed in those cases.

The outcomes of the cases are listed below, based on information available to DrydenWire.

BARRON COUNTY -- John Clarke, of Cadott, WI, was charged with Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine following an incident that occurred in Barron County in January 2023, during which authorities engaged in the pursuit of a U-Haul that had been reported stolen. Also charged was Luke Shilts, who was later convicted of Class G Felony 2nd-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and received a 10-year sentence with 5 years of initial confinement in state prison, followed by 5 years of extended supervision.

At a recent court hearing, the charge against John Clarke was dismissed upon a motion from the prosecutor. Online court records did not list the reason for the motion.

BURNETT COUNTY -- Melody Espeseth, of Danbury, WI was charged in May 2023, with Class D Felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl (>10-50G, Party to a Crime); Class D Felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine (>15–40G); Class E Felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl (<=10G); Class I Felony Maintain a Drug Trafficking Place; Misdemeanor Possession of Cocaine; Misdemeanor Possession of THC; and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was later charged with Class I Felony Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place, Class H Felony Bail Jumping, Misdemeanor Possession of THC (Marijuana), and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following an investigation into an overdose death at her residence. In July 2023, she was charged with Issue of Worthless Checks.

The charges against Espeseth were dismissed following a recent court hearing. Court documents state that the reason for dismissal is because Espseth passed away while in Mexico.

WASHBURN COUNTY -- Curt Brock, was charged in Washburn County and Sawyer County Circuit Court in January 2023 with Operating While Intoxicated 6th offense.

Online Court records show that the charges in Washburn County have since been dismissed because, on October 25, 2023, Brock was found deceased in Marathon County.

WASHBURN COUNTY -- Scott Van Camp, formerly of Spooner, WI, was charged with Class D Felony Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (Child Pornography) in July 2022, following an investigation by the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office into a CyberTip that had been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, also known as NCMEC.

The charges against Van Camp were recently dismissed, according to court documents, which state that “the current charges filed against the above-named defendant should be dismissed and a new criminal complaint should be filed with criminal charges that will more accurately reflect the facts of the case.”