Man wanted in Central Wisconsin arrested in Florida

James Edward Hanko
James Edward Hanko

TAMPA, FL (WSAU) -- A man wanted in both Marathon and Lincoln counties for the last five-plus years was arrested in Florida in mid-October after it was discovered that he was operating as a contractor without a license.

James Edward Hanko was taken into custody on October 16th after an undercover officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office responded to one of Hanko's Craigslist ads. The Wausau Daily Herald reports the officer received an estimate from Hanko for some bathroom work, then checked to see if he had a contractor's license with the state of Florida.

After discovering Hanko wasn't licensed, the officer arrested him. Charges against him in Florida include one count of committing unlawful acts as a contractor, two counts of using a false name, and two counts of being a fugitive.

Hanko has been wanted in Wisconsin on suspicion of stealing more than $6,000 from his former employer in Mosinee. Lincoln County authorities want him on charges of fourth-degree sexual assault and lewd behavior after he allegedly exposed himself.

Sheriff's officials with both Lincoln and Marathon Counties are working to have the 53-year-old extradited to Wisconsin for a court hearing.

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