In August, the department sent out a news release asking for the public's help locating Marie Jost, 100, and her son Theodore, 74. Shortly after, Marie's son, Charles, daughter, Dolores Disher and Dolores' husband, Ronald were all charged with theft and fraud after investigators say they cashed $175,000 worth of Marie's social security checks. Investigators says the three also changed their story when questioned about Marie and Theodore's whereabouts.
Portage County Judge, Thomas Flugaur says the case against the Dishers will move forward after the testimony of two witnesses in a hearing, Friday. Special Agent Catura of the Social Security Administration and Detective Ostrowski of the Portage County Sheriff's Department both testified for the prosecution. The most alarming testimony came from Detective Ostrowski who talked about a conversation he had with Ron Disher at the very beginning of the investigation.
"He asked me if I thought if she was dead and I said yea I do think Marie maybe deceased. How long has she been deceased? And to quote him, he said “She's been gone for 25 to 30 years,'" Detective Ostrowski testified.
Detective Ostrowski also told the court that two inmates, who share a cell block with Ron Disher, told him Disher had confessed to them. In one case, Disher is said to have confessed to fraud and killing Marie Jost. In the second case, Disher is said to have confessed to the fraud, but told the inmate his wife, Dolores, killed her mother.
Detective Ostrowski also highlighted contradictions in the information provided by both Ron and Dolores concerning Marie and Theodore's disappearance. Those contradictions included problems with where they said Marie and Theodore lived, letters supposedly written by Marie to the Dishers and why it is unlikely the duo are on a roadtrip.
Both are scheduled to enter a plea in October. Ron Disher is also charged with assault after authorities say he got into a fight in the jail.
The Disher's attornies have also motioned that their bank accounts be opened back up. They were frozen during the investigation. A hearing will be scheduled on that motion.
Dolores' brother, Charles Jost is also charged in the case. He's undergoing a competency exam to see if he's mentally fit to stand trial.
Captain Dale O'Kray from the Portage County Sheriff's Department says investigators have stopped processing the scene at Marie's Amherst Junction home. Several small bone fragments have been sent off to Madison for testing to determine if they are human. Earlier this month, cadaver dogs picked up spots of interest at the home.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts or last know location of either Marie or Theodore Jost is urged to contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office at (715) 346-1400. Detectives are working to put together a time line of the last time the two were heard from.
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