Wisconsin Department of Justice Agents Partner with Richland Center Police and Muscoda Police Departments in ICAC Operation

Joshua R. Elarde Arrested, Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

MADISON — On Thursday, March 22, 2012, special agents from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), along with officers from the Richland Center and Muscoda Police Departments, conducted an investigation resulting from a tip about possession of child pornography.

According to the Criminal Complaint, special agents searched a cellular phone belonging to Joshua Elarde, previously of Muscoda, and upon a forensic review of the images retrieved from the cellular phone, evidence of child pornography was discovered.

Elarde has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography, a felony, and Sex with a Child Age 16 or Older, a misdemeanor. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. at the Richland County Courthouse.

The Muscoda Police Department is an affiliate of Wisconsin's ICAC Task Force. Questions concerning this case should be directed to the Richland County District Attorney's Office. A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.