A Wisconsin man, Zachariah Rasch, was charged with identity theft after allegedly using his wife’s credit cards to purchase $6,000 worth of cleaning supplies following her disappearance. His wife, Crystal, had been missing since at least June 10, and her family reported her missing on June 23. Rasch, who was preparing for a divorce from Crystal, initially denied using her credit cards, but later admitted to it after being shown security footage of the purchases. He is facing seven counts of misappropriating identification to obtain money and is being held on $250,000 bond.
Crystal’s step-mom reported her missing when she couldn’t get in touch with her and found Crystal’s car at her Dodge County home. The car is currently undergoing forensic analysis at the state crime lab. The couple was scheduled for a divorce hearing on August 8, and Rasch was alone when he made the purchases using Crystal’s credit cards. He also made several cash withdrawals using her cards. Rasch had a history of harassing his wife, with previous incidents leading to a restraining order for domestic abuse last September and charges for violating another restraining order in November 2018. Crystal’s cell phone last pinged in Adams County, where Rasch owns land.
Authorities found significant evidentiary value in Crystal’s car, a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was discovered in Adams County along with Rasch’s land. Rasch purchased various cleaning supplies using Crystal’s credit cards, including stain remover, liquid drain opener, chemical-resistant gloves, a vacuum, air fresheners, wipes, and carpet cleaner. The shopping spree took place just a week after Crystal had been reported missing, further raising suspicions about Rasch’s involvement in her disappearance. Security footage and photos of Rasch making the purchases were shown to him during police interrogation, leading to his admission of lying about using Crystal’s credit cards.
Rasch’s alleged identity theft and misuse of his wife’s credit cards highlighted the troubled nature of their relationship, with a history of domestic abuse and restraining orders. As the investigation into Crystal’s disappearance continues, authorities are exploring all possible leads, including the forensic analysis of her car found in Adams County. Rasch’s involvement in the disappearance and his use of Crystal’s credit cards for suspicious purchases suggest a deeper connection to the case that authorities are working to unravel. The timing of the shopping spree and the circumstances surrounding Crystal’s disappearance point to a potentially dangerous situation that Rasch may have been involved in, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
The case of Zachariah Rasch’s identity theft charges in connection to his missing wife Crystal sheds light on a troubling dynamic within their relationship, marked by harassment, restraining orders, and financial misconduct. Rasch’s history of domestic abuse and previous legal issues involving Crystal raise red flags about his potential involvement in her disappearance. The purchases of cleaning supplies on Crystal’s credit cards following her reported missing added a layer of suspicion to the case, prompting authorities to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The discovery of Crystal’s car and Rasch’s land in Adams County offers new avenues for investigation, as authorities work to uncover the truth behind her sudden disappearance and the potential role Rasch may have played in it.
Zachariah Rasch’s involvement in identity theft and misappropriation of Crystal’s credit cards underscore a pattern of troubling behavior and potential motive in her disappearance. The financial transactions made by Rasch using Crystal’s credit cards, coupled with his history of domestic abuse and past legal issues, paint a concerning picture of their relationship. As authorities continue to gather evidence and investigate the case, the discovery of Crystal’s car in Adams County and the forensic analysis being conducted on it pose critical elements in unraveling the mystery behind her disappearance. The ongoing efforts to piece together the events leading up to Crystal’s disappearance and Rasch’s questionable activities following it highlight the complex nature of the case and the urgency of seeking justice for Crystal and holding Rasch accountable for his actions.
