How did a Portage Co. inmate, held on cash bond, get a furlough?
By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT — Portage Co. Sheriff Mike Lukas and District Attorney Cass Cousins are expressing concerns after an inmate, granted a temporary release for an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) assessment, failed to return to the county jail last week.
Inmate Matthew J. Garsomke, 28, was granted a three-hour furlough by Branch I Circuit Court Judge Michael Zell on Friday, June 28, to complete an AODA assessment, a move typically reserved for medical appointments or family emergencies. Garsomke, who has been in custody since Jan. 28 on a $1,500 cash bond, did not return to jail as ordered.
Zell issued an arrest warrant on Garsomke on July 1. A request for comment Tuesday from Zell, who was appointed to his seat by Gov. Tony Evers in June 2022, has not been returned.
But Cousins said he’s looking into the matter.
“I’ve reviewed the situation. It appears that the defendant’s attorney wanted the AODA assessment for sentencing purposes,” Cousins said. “The court allowed the defendant to be released for three hours to complete this assessment. This release is called a ‘furlough’ and does not amend the underlying bond.”
Cousins said the AODA assessment could not be completed while Garsomke was in jail.
Garsomke faces charges of fleeing an officer and multiple thefts, including the burglary of Campus Cycle on Jan. 27. He allegedly stole a cash register and merchandise valued at over $1,000.
He has six open cases, five of which are felonies, and stands accused of stealing a moped and attempting to elude police during a high-speed chase in Stevens Point.
Lukas expressed confusion and concern over the furlough, noting its unusual nature given Garsomke’s pending felony charges, but he emphasized the department’s adherence to court orders.
“We have to follow the court’s orders. Right now, we’re looking for him. We’ve gotten some tips, but we’re still looking,” he said, adding that he does not believe Garsomke poses a danger to the public, though his substance use could be a danger to himself.
According to court records, Garsomke’s initial furlough request on June 25 was declined due to an incorrect appointment date. The request was approved on June 26 with conditions that Garsomke travel directly from the jail to the assessment location and back, avoid places where alcohol is sold or served, and be tested for drugs and alcohol upon his return.
Garsomke was last seen walking northbound on Strongs Avenue at approximately 10:35 a.m. He is described as a 6’1” male Caucasian, weighing 203 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, white t-shirt, gray shorts, and blue shoes.
Cousins plans to review the situation more closely upon returning to the office. “I am extremely concerned about what happened here,” he said.
Garsomke’s scheduled for a plea and sentencing hearing for burglary and theft charges at 2:30 p.m. on July 12.
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on Garsomke’s whereabouts to contact them at 715-346-1400.