Man accused of stealing money from Ashland business, drug possession

An Odanah man is accused by authorities of stealing money from his employer in Ashland and possessing illegal drugs.

Kaleb Julian, 37, faces a total of 18 charges, all as a repeater, including seven counts of burglary of a building or dwelling, seven counts of misdemeanor theft, and one count each of possess/illegally obtained prescription, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The burglary charges are the most serious under Wisconsin law, carrying a maximum of 12.5 years in prison apiece. The prescription drug charges could carry more than three years in prison on each count.

According to the criminal complaint, Julian was hired at Blue Ribbon Kennels in Ashland in January. The victim first noticed money was missing on May 30 when going to deposit a bank envelope. Surveillance video showed a man entering the business on May 29 and taking money out of an envelope from the cash drawer. A total of $540 was missing from the envelope.

Camera footage revealed several other incidents where someone entered the business and took money from the register area. The victim told investigators he believes Julian is responsible.

The suspect was identified in the footage primarily through the tattoo on his thumb, a hoodie he repeatedly wore and a hat with “Oakland” written on it.

When questioned by law enforcement on June 3, Julian said he had been having financial difficulties and took money from Blue Ribbon on two or three different occasions. He entered the business through an unlocked door or he would climb through the window.

Julian was arrested and officers searched his backpack at the jail after he told law enforcement there were drugs in it. Inside the backpack, an “Oakland” hat was found.

In the jail interview room, Julian admitted that the methamphetamine, gabapentin and paraphernalia in the bag were his. A search of the bag produced three plastic bags of a crystal substance weighing 6.8 grams. Paraphernalia items were also found. Several pills were located as well and later identified as Gabapentin 400 mg and Clonazepam 0.05 mg.

Julian eventually admitted to taking money from the drawer and deposit envelope from the business at least four times, but it could be more. Julian said he stole about $500 the last time on May 29, and about $100-$200 during the other incidents.

Julian appeared in court via videoconference on Aug. 19 for an initial appearance. Ashland County Circuit Court Judge Kelly McKnight recused himself from the case because he knows the victims.