Rusk County, Wisconsin – Authorities in northern Wisconsin have arrested three individuals in connection with a felony child kidnapping case originating in Iowa, bringing an end to a months-long search for a missing child. Investigators say the case involved cross-state coordination and careful tracking of the child’s whereabouts over several weeks.
Incident Overview
Three people were taken into custody after law enforcement determined that a missing child from Kossuth County, Iowa, had been living in Rusk County, Wisconsin without legal custody authorization. The case centers on a 5-year-old boy who had been reported missing and was later discovered living in a camper on private property.
Authorities confirmed that the arrests are tied to interference with parental custody and a separate felony kidnapping warrant issued in Iowa.
Timeline of Events
In November 2025, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office received information from Iowa officials regarding a missing child believed to be residing in Wisconsin with his father.
Investigators worked closely with Iowa authorities for several weeks to verify the child’s location and assess the circumstances surrounding his removal from the custodial parent.
On January 19, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at N5069 Highway 73 in the Township of Richland, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of the child.
Arrests and Charges Filed
During the execution of the warrant, two Wisconsin residents were arrested at the Richland Township location:
- Emil Roth
- Audrey Roth
Both were charged as parties to a crime of interfering with parental custody. Court records show that both suspects were released on signature bonds following their initial court appearance on Tuesday.
A third arrest involved the child’s father:
- Douglas Roth, arrested separately in Taylor County, Wisconsin, on an active felony kidnapping warrant issued by authorities in Kossuth County, Iowa.
Douglas Roth is currently awaiting extradition to Iowa, where the felony case will proceed.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to the criminal complaint, investigators located the child—now 5 years old—inside a camper parked on his grandparents’ property in Rusk County. Authorities did not indicate that the child was physically harmed, but emphasized that the situation met the legal definition of kidnapping due to custody violations.
Law enforcement officials noted that the child’s presence in Wisconsin had been concealed for an extended period, complicating early efforts to locate him.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Child’s age: 5 years old
- Initial report: November 2025
- Search warrant executed: January 19
- Location found: Camper on private property in Richland Township, Wisconsin
- Charges:
- Interfering with parental custody (Emil and Audrey Roth)
- Felony kidnapping (Douglas Roth)
- Current status:
- Emil and Audrey Roth released on bond
- Douglas Roth awaiting extradition to Iowa
Interagency Cooperation
The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office credited the case’s resolution to extensive collaboration with multiple agencies, including:
- Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office
- Rusk County DHHS Child Services
- Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation
Officials emphasized that cross-state cooperation was critical due to jurisdictional boundaries and the seriousness of the alleged offense.
Why Parental Kidnapping Cases Are Taken Seriously
Parental kidnapping cases are treated as felony offenses when custody orders are violated or when a child is intentionally concealed from a legal guardian. Law enforcement agencies stress that such cases can pose serious risks to a child’s safety, emotional well-being, and access to education and medical care.
Officials urge family members and community members to report suspected custody violations early, as delays can significantly complicate recovery efforts.
Conclusion
The arrest of three individuals in Wisconsin marks a significant development in a multi-state child kidnapping investigation that began in Iowa late last year. Authorities say the successful recovery of the child underscores the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts across state lines.
The legal process is ongoing, and additional court proceedings are expected as extradition and custody matters move forward.
If you have information related to custody violations or missing children in your area, contact local law enforcement immediately. Share your experiences in the comments below.
