BARRON COUNTY (DrydenWire) – A lengthy investigation by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations has led to a felony conviction for John Ladwig, age 73, of Cameron, Wisconsin.
Ladwig was arrested in January 2024 and subsequently charged in Barron County Circuit Court with two counts of Class D Felony Possession of Child Pornography.
A lengthy 6-month investigation conducted by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations led to Ladwig’s arrest.
A 3-day jury trial was scheduled to be held in March 2025 regarding the charges against Ladwig; however, on March 4, 2025, Ladwig appeared for a court hearing and entered a plea of Guilty to one count of Class D Felony Possession of Child Pornography. The remaining charge was dismissed and read in.
Ladwig most recently appeared on May 6, 2025, when the Hon. Judge Samuel Lawton ordered him to serve a 7-year sentence, with 3 years of initial incarceration in state prison followed by 4 years of extended supervision.
The conditions of his sentence include requirements for Ladwig to complete all evaluations, counseling, treatment, and follow-ups recommended by the Department of Corrections. He will be prohibited from contact with minors, unless approved by his supervision agent.
Ladwig is ordered to register as a sex offender for 15 years after the expiration of his sentence.
Last Update: May 08, 2025 12:40 pm CDT
