On June 12, at 9:09 p.m., the Vilas County Sheriff’s office received a call reporting a man walking his dog on County Highway K at Monheim Road east of Conover. The man was wearing a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) robe,drinking a beer and waving at traffic. A crime was not reported, only that it was suspicious in nature.

There were two additional calls reporting the same thing. One caller reported a post on Facebook with a photograph of the man. A caller identified the man as Charles Booth of Conover.

A deputy responded to the call and identified the man standing in his driveway. The man was not creating a traffic hazard, nor violating any Wisconsin State Statute. Rumors have been circulating that he was jumping in traffic and throwing items at cars. Neither of these circumstances were reported to law enforcement.

Stated in a press release, the sheriff’s office stated it was not able to take law enforcement action, it does not condone Booth’s behavior or actions.

“The KKK beliefs run contrary to Vilas County Law Enforcement’s mission, values, and beliefs. We thank those that have come forward and informed us of the situation, so that we may deal with it in a manner that continues to develop strong community partnerships.”

The KKK is classified as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The sheriff’s office state it “strongly discourages this type of actions in Vilas County. We will be vigilant and continue to monitor this man’s actions. Our patrol staff knows of this man and we frequently patrol this area of Vilas County.”