45-year-old Ryan Borgwardt gained national attention after investigators determined he faked his own death on Green Lake and fled the United States in August 2024.

Borgwardt returned to the U.S. and turned himself into authorities in December 2024. He was subsequently charged with obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor.

A man who faked his death and fled the country last year is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 26 for a plea and sentencing hearing on a misdemeanor charge.

Ryan Borgwardt, 45, gained widespread attention as local and national media outlets picked up his story. The then-Watertown resident was reported missing after kayaking on Green Lake. Believing Borgwardt may have drowned, authorities launched a nearly two-month search of the lake but couldn't find his body. They late

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