For the Tomahawk Leader
TOWN OF MERRILL – Multiple investigations into an individual operating as an unlicensed salvage dealer led to the execution of a search warrant and the individual’s arrest on numerous charges.
According to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant executed on a large property in the Town of Merrill on Thursday, July 27 revealed an “immense quantity of vehicles, vehicle parts and other equipment.”
“During the search, a stolen vehicle was recovered, along with stolen vehicle parts,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Indications of tampering with, and removing, VIN tags was discovered in multiple vehicles.”
The Sheriff’s Office said the search of the property provided “significant evidence of a salvage yard being operated for many years.”
Illegal drugs were also located, which included more than 140 grams of marijuana, 50-plus grams of methamphetamine and approximately eight grams of cocaine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The property owner, Anthony G. Ellenbecker, was arrested on drug charges and for operating as an unlicensed salvage dealer, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Merrill Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Taskforce.