Stolen items posted online lead police to robbers, officials say

Sauk County sheriff’s deputies found stolen firearms and other personal items during a search warrant Wednesday that led to the arrests of two Baraboo men, according to a release.

Authorities were called to a residence in the town of Freedom on Tuesday for reports of a residential burglary, officials said. The resident said several firearms, knives and electronic devices were missing.

Police were notified Wednesday that someone was trying to sell the firearms on the Internet, officials said. Detectives set up a meeting to purchase the firearms and verified they were the items reported stolen on Wednesday.

Sauk County deputies executed a search warrant Wednesday and found drugs and drug paraphernalia, and the stolen firearms, knives and electronic devices.

Matthew J. Staples, 48, of Baraboo, was arrested on charges of burglary while armed and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the release. Cody A. Sanders, 18, of Baraboo, was arrested on charges of burglary while armed.

If convicted, Staples could face 25 years in prison, a fine up to $75,000 or both, officials said. Sanders could face 15 years in prison, a fine up to $50,000 or both.