Sheriff Joe Fath said Friday that two Vilas County jailers have resigned and another demoted after they let a wanted man walk away after trying to turn himself in.
Jail staff told a woman with Lussier that he could turn himself into Iron County instead. A sergeant then said they could book him in Vilas County and asked him to have a seat. That’s when Lussier, 19, and the woman left the jail, Fath said.
Staff did not identify Lussier, confirm if he had warrants, notify dispatch or notify patrol, Fath said.
Lussier was arrested in Oshkosh after a nine day long search.
James Lussier, 19 is alleged to have played a role in Wayne Valliere’s death along with 4 other suspects.
After an internal investigation, including a decision to cover up the mistakes, a corrections sergeant and a corrections officer were placed on leave and both have resigned. Another corrections officer has been suspended without pay and demoted.
Two other officers could face punishment as well, the sheriff said.
No names were released.
Lussier is suspected in the killing of Wayne Valliere, 25, who was reported missing Christmas Day. He was last seen Dec. 22. His body was found near an unpaved road near Mercer on Jan. 1.
Hear Sheriff Fath’s Press Conference Here.