Man Who Faked Death and Fled US Sentenced to 89 Days in Jail
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man, was sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing an officer after faking his own drowning and fleeing the US to meet a woman.
Overview
- Ryan Borgwardt faked his own death while kayaking on Green Lake, Wisconsin, telling his wife he was going kayaking, leading to a missing person report.
- His capsized kayak and fishing gear were later discovered, prompting a search by law enforcement and causing distress to his family and friends.
- Borgwardt fled the US, traveling through Toronto and Paris, with intentions to meet a woman from Uzbekistan in Georgia and start a new life.
- He was subsequently convicted of obstructing an officer for misleading authorities and was sentenced to 89 days in jail, the same duration he was missing.
- Borgwardt expressed deep regret in court for his actions, acknowledging the pain caused, and was also ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to law enforcement.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the premeditated and selfish nature of Ryan Borgwardt's actions. They highlight the "elaborate scheme" to fake his death, focusing on the deception and the emotional and financial costs incurred, while giving less prominence to his stated regret or his attorney's perspective on his voluntary return.
"The longer sentence can serve as a deterrent to anyone else who may be considering faking their death and misleading law enforcement, the judge said."
CBS News"The Wisconsin husband and father, who authorities said faked his own death at a lake and fled the country, has been sentenced to 89 days in jail -- the same number of days he was missing, a judge ruled."
ABC News"Borgwardt’s plan unraveled when a Russian-speaking woman contacted deputies in Green Lake County and connected them with Borgwardt, according to the complaint."
NBC NewsArticles (4)
Center (3)
FAQ
Ryan Borgwardt was sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing an officer after misleading authorities to believe he drowned, which prompted costly and extensive search efforts lasting 89 days—the same length as his sentence.
Borgwardt faked his death by deliberately leaving his capsized kayak and fishing gear on Green Lake, giving the impression he drowned, which led to a missing person report and subsequent search.
After faking his death, Borgwardt fled the US, traveling through Toronto and Paris before going to the country of Georgia, where he intended to start a new life with a woman he met online from Uzbekistan.
Besides serving 89 days in jail, Borgwardt was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to law enforcement to cover the costs of the search efforts caused by his deception.
In court, Ryan Borgwardt expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging the pain and distress he caused his family, friends, and the community.
History
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