In a recent government meeting, the La Crosse Police Department presented evidence regarding the criminal history of local resident Mr. Foster, who is currently seeking to operate a business. Greg Olsen, the records supervisor for the department, outlined Mr. Foster's past convictions, noting that he qualifies as a habitual criminal under local guidelines.

Since his release from incarceration, Mr. Foster has had three notable interactions with law enforcement. In 2021, he faced serious charges including strangulation and intimidation of a victim, which were ultimately dismissed by the assistant district attorney due to insufficient evidence. In 2022, he was charged with failure to report an accident, and in 2023, he received an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge. Olsen emphasized that Mr. Foster has violated probation rules, particularly those prohibiting alcohol consumption.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about the implications of Mr. Foster's criminal history on his business application. One member inquired whether his past behavior could be linked to the nature of the business he intends to operate, which involves selling controlled substances. Olsen refrained from speculating on this connection, stating that such assessments would require further investigation.

Mr. Foster himself contested the police department's assertions, particularly regarding the circumstances of the 2021 incident. He claimed that the dismissal of charges was not due to the victim's absence but rather because he was at work during the alleged offense, a fact he believes was overlooked in the investigation.

The discussions highlighted ongoing concerns about the intersection of criminal history and business licensing, as well as the challenges in ensuring thorough investigations in such cases. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution regarding Mr. Foster's application, leaving the matter open for further consideration by the council.