TOWER— The Wilderness at Fortune Bay Manager Joseph Wisocki IV has been placed on unpaid administrative leave after being charged with five counts of felony theft by swindle in Minnesota district court. The charges stem from his tenure as director of golf at the Willmar Community Golf Club.
Wisocki, who was hired to oversee The Wilderness at Fortune Bay this past spring, worked at the Willmar Community Golf Club from February 2019 until his dismissal on Jan. 3, 2023.
Bois Forte Secretary/Treasurer Tara Geshick informed the Bois Forte Tribal Council of the criminal complaint against Wisocki late Saturday evening, Dec. 16. At a special meeting on Monday, Dec. 18, the tribal council voted 4-0 to place Wisocki on unpaid administrative leave.
“We take this very seriously, and we’re doing our internal investigation at this time,” said Bois Forte Tribal Chair Cathy Chavers Monday afternoon, shortly after the council’s unanimous decision was made.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Kandiyohi County District Court on Dec. 14, 2023, Wisocki allegedly stole nearly $28,000 from the Willmar club. Wisocki has maintained his innocence and has retained an attorney.
Four of the felony counts alleged that Wisocki “obtained possession of property or services from another person of a value of more than $5,000.” Those four thefts by swindle each ranged from $5,100 to $6,959 in funds stolen. Each of those counts could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $20,000 fine, or both. The fifth felony count alleged that Wisocki stole $4,100, which is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Wisocki, who lives in Eveleth, will make his first appearance in court at a remote hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.