Missing Portage County inmate back in custody

Wausau Pilot & Review

A man who walked away from the Portage County Jail during a court-approved furlough is back in custody, eight days after he failed to return to the facility.

Police say Matthew J. Garsomke was released at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 28 for a three-hour furlough for a specific purpose and location. He was due back at the Portage County Jail at 1:30 p.m. the same day and did not appear.

Officials last week released information asking for the public’s help locating Garsomke, who was being held on a $1,500 cash bond ordered in a burglary and theft case, with a plea and sentencing hearing set for July 12.

Around 11:45 a.m. Saturday, July 7, police found him in the 1500 block of Pinecrest Avenue near the Metro Market in Stevens Point. He is back in custody. Unclear is whether he will face additional charges associated with his failure to return to the jail as arranged.