Suspected heroin dealer arrested on homicide charge

Sheriff's officials say Holtan supplied heroin in overdose death

PORTAGE, Wis. — Columbia County sheriff’s deputies said they have made an arrest in connection with a deadly heroin overdose.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that Thomas A. Holtan, 35, of Portage, was arrested on a first-degree reckless homicide charge in the death of Cody L. Weideman.

Weideman, 25, of rural Portage, was found dead at his home on June 3. The investigation showed that he died from a heroin overdose, according to sheriff’s officials.

Weideman’s parents spoke with WISC-TV last month and said their son was battling a heroin addiction.

Sheriff’s officials said Holtan is suspected of being a heroin dealer who supplied Weideman with the heroin that caused his death.

Holtan is being held in the Columbia County Jail and is expected to make his initial appearance in Columbia County Circuit Court on Friday.