STURGEON BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – An 81-year-old Door County man was convicted of multiple felonies on Feb. 12 for his role in a large-scale money laundering operation.
Dale F. Pautsch of Nasewaupee pleaded no contest and was found guilty of 15 felonies, including theft in a business setting and money laundering while knowingly receiving or acquiring proceeds.
Pautsch was convicted in two separate criminal cases:
- Theft–Business Setting ($10,000–$100,000)
- Increased Penalty for Elder Person Victim
- Money Laundering–Knowingly Receives/Acquires Proceeds ($10,000–$100,000)
- Theft–Business Setting (Over $100,000)
- Money Laundering–Knowingly Receives/Acquires Proceeds (Over $100,000)
- Multiple additional theft charges with enhanced penalties for elder victims
- Theft–Business Setting ($10,000–$100,000) (Five counts)
- Theft–Business Setting (Over $100,000)
The Door County Sheriff’s Office said the ten-month investigation identified 23 victims, with total losses reaching $1,138,000.
Pautsch was arrested on June 27, 2024. Authorities later seized his property, including a business in Gardner, a house and rental properties in Nasewaupee, two vehicles, a UTV, jewelry, and approximately $160,000.
He is scheduled to return to the Door County Courthouse on May 29 for sentencing.
