Wisconsin authorities shared a video Thursday from Ryan Borgwardt, the married father of three accused of faking his death and fleeing to Europe for another woman, claiming he is safe in an unknown location.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll held a press conference Thursday, announcing they have communicated nearly daily with Borgwardt, 45, since November 11, although they still do not know his whereabouts.
Borgwardt is now facing an obstruction charge for allegedly staging his death on Green Lake in August.
“I cannot comment on the federal charges that may or may not be filed through our federal partners,” Podoll said.
Podoll said a woman speaking Russian helped investigators get in touch with Borgwardt.
In a video requested by investigators, Borgwardt says, “Good evening, this is Ryan Borgwardt,” then something inaudible.
“Today is November 11. It’s approximately 10 a.m. by you guys. I’m in my apartment,” he said, slightly panning the camera around.
“I am safe, secure, no problem. Hope this works,” he concluded.
Borgwardt was last known to be on Green Lake on August 11. That night, he texted his wife and said he was turning his kayak around and was heading to shore but never went home.
Authorities found his overturned kayak and life jacket in the lake. They later found his fishing rod and tackle box.
Green Lake County Officials, as well as volunteer search organization Bruce’s Legacy, have spent weeks and thousands of dollars searching for Borgwardt.
However, the investigation took a turn in October when investigators learned Borgwardt’s name had been checked by law enforcement in Canada on August 13 – the day after his disappearance.
Last week, investors said they believed he was somewhere in Eastern Europe.
Prior to his disappearance, investigators learned Borgwardt had been communicating with a woman from Uzbekistan.
They also discovered Borgwardt had moved money into foreign banks. In January, Borgwardt took out a $375,000 life insurance policy and purchased an airline gift card.
Podoll revealed Thursday that Borgwardt told them how he allegedly faked his death at the lake.
“He stashed an E-bike near the boat launch. He paddled his kayak in a child-sized floating boat out into the lake. He overturned the kayak and dumped his phone in the lake.”
Podoll continued, “He battled the inflatable boat to shore and got on his E-bike, and rode through the night to Madison. In Madison, he boarded a bus and went to Detroit, and then the Canadian border. He continued on the bus to an airport and got on a plane.”
Law enforcement is now pleading with Podoll to return to the United States. They have not issued a warrant in this case.
“In our communications, we are expressing the importance of his decision to return home and clean up the mess that he has created,” Podoll said.
Podoll added later, “One of the things that he did say was he didn’t expect us to go more than two weeks in searching for him. Well, I hate to tell you, he picked the wrong sheriff from the wrong department.”
Podoll also announced that Green Lake County is seeking restitution in the area of $30,000 to $40,000 for their search efforts.
“These costs do not include any expenses incurred by volunteers such as Bruce’s Legacy and the expert divers and other donors who gave their time and equipment,” he said. “We have about $7,000 in equipment and expenses, the remainder is related to the wages associated.”
“One of the reasons why he picked Green Lake was because it was the deepest lake in Wisconsin,” Podoll added elsewhere.
Podoll concluded the press conference with an attempt to pull on Borgwardt’s heartstrings.
“Christmas is coming, and what better gift he could give us kids than be there for Christmas with him?” he said, getting emotional.
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