In a shocking act of deception, Ryan Borgwardt faked his death to start a new life abroad, only to face legal repercussions upon his return to the U.S., Mail Online reported.
Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, staged his death in a dramatic kayak incident on Lake Green on August 12. Borgwardt planned to disappear without a trace and start anew in Eastern Europe with his mistress. However, after four months of hiding in Georgia, he voluntarily returned to the United States, triggering a series of legal confrontations.
Authorities launched a massive search operation as soon as they reported Borgwardt’s disappearance. After 54 days, investigators pieced together clues that suggested he had not drowned but had intentionally vanished. Investigators made a breakthrough when Ryan crossed into Canada shortly after his supposed drowning and then flew back to the U.S., exposing his elaborate scheme.
Upon his return, Borgwardt faced immediate legal consequences. He was charged with misdemeanor obstruction after handing himself over to the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office. Furthermore, the bond set by Green Lake County Court was a mere $500, contingent on him adhering to all release conditions.
Moreover, a criminal complaint lit the final fuse when it disclosed Borgwardt's ongoing affair through a backed-up image of his mistress, inadvertently sent to his home laptop. This discovery, therefore, painted a clear picture of his deceit.
Emily Borgwardt, Ryan's wife, wasted no time filing for legal separation the day after his return. A resident of Watertown, Wisconsin, and a teacher, Emily cited the marriage as "irretrievably broken." She is now pursuing full custody of their three teenage children, child support, and property division, determined to rebuild her and her children's lives.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll stated that Ryan faces charges, including "obstruction." This statement underscores the seriousness of Ryan's actions and the consequences he now faces.
As the Green Lake community reels from the scandal, the family struggles to regain a sense of normalcy. Green Lake Chief Deputy Sheriff Matthew Vande Kolk described the family's condition, stating, "They are doing okay, that's probably the best thing you could say." This sentiment reflects the challenging recovery process the family is undergoing.
Emily encapsulated her resolve in her direct statement to the court: "The marriage is irretrievably broken." She attributed this declaration to the severe betrayal, symbolizing a finality to her relationship with Ryan.
