On Monday, April 20, 2020, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Albany EMS was called to a Village of Albany residence in response to a report of a possible overdose incident. The patient was transported for medical attention and on April 21, 2020, the Albany Police Department was notified the patient died at UW Hospital on April 20th.

Albany Police, the Green County Sheriff’s Office and agents of the State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT) undertook a lengthy investigation into the individual’s death. During the investigation, law enforcement obtained evidence leading them to suspect the death was narcotics related. Additional information was further developed in identifying a Madison man suspected of supplying narcotics to the victim.

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, Albany PD, SLANT agents and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force located and arrested the suspect in Madison. James R. Schmitz, 49, Madison, was arrested on an active arrest warrant for 1st Degree Reckless Homicide Drug Delivery and Maintaining a Drug Dwelling. Schmitz was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Green County Jail.

This incident remains under investigation by the Albany Police Department and SLANT. All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Robert Ritter, Chief of Police, Village of Albany,

Jeff Skatrud, Sheriff