Full Notification

     On March 22, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Rock County Communications Center received two separate calls from concerned citizens reporting an unattended young child wearing only a diaper in the 400 block of Center Avenue in the City of Janesville. Responding officers located the child, who was later transported by ambulance to a local medical facility for evaluation due to their condition.
      During the investigation, officers identified the child’s residence and observed concerning living conditions inside the home. Officers also learned that additional children were residing at the residence.
      A search warrant was obtained and executed at the home. During the execution of the warrant, officers located two adults, identified as Lacey Lehmkul and Harrison Bond, hiding in the basement behind a furnace under a blanket. Lacey Lehmkul was found to have outstanding warrants with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office. Harrison Bond had an outstanding warrant through the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Officers also seized various items of evidence during the search.
     Rock County Child Protective Services was notified, and the other children in the home were later safely released to a family member. Information regarding the condition of the residence was also forwarded to code enforcement for further review.
     As a result of the investigation, Justin Paul was arrested on two counts of Child Neglect, and Catherine Waite was arrested on one count of Child Neglect. Both individuals remain in custody at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office pending their initial court appearances. This incident remains an open and ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
 
Arrested:
Justin Paul (37 years of age) Two counts-Child Neglect                
Catherine Waite (40 years of age) One count-Child Neglect
Lacey Lehmkuhl (34 years of age) Department of Corrections Warrant & Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office Warrant
Harrison Bond (42 years of age) Rock County Sheriff’s Office Warrant