WI WI - Melissa Beson, 37, Lac du Flambeau, Vilas County, 17 Mar 2025

[GuyfromCanada]

ATTENTION!!!

MISSING PERSON: Melissa June Beson

Melissa was last seen in Lac du Flambeau wearing red sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt!

If you know of her whereabouts, please contact LDF Tribal police at 715-588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff's Office at 715-479-4441.

https://www.facebook.com/LDFtribe/posts/pfbid0343uWJ5VEtP573RjY5rywE71c7TDgF8cpwPKwebcNDGDEyz2GZYYJ875diuKFnYSbl

https://www.facebook.com/LDFtribe/posts/pfbid02jzUKpHpntsd3EjwCAYWLbTJtDetjQiEkFrH74vBGT5HZFyYaEfF1ArwFXxxJ5Dydl

Police say Melissa Beson was reported missing by concerned family members on March 23.

More at Lac du Flambeau police seek public help in finding missing woman

 

[GraceG]

There was a amended judgement of coviction issued in Feb. on criminal felony charges and she currently owes the court almost $30,000. History of assorted theft, forgery and drug charges, In 2017 there were 2 charges of bail jumping which were dismissed. (Note: these are just the most recent, excluding money judgments and traffic charges). Be advised: There is another female same first initial, different middle name, same last name with some similar charges in the system. Different date of birth (a year apart) BUT SAME ADDRESS. Sibling perhaps? Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

Oneida County Case Number 2023CF000419 State of Wisconsin vs. Melissa J. Beson
Filing date 12-18-2023
Defendant date of birth 10-20-1987
Address
2557 Old Indian Village Road, Lac Du Flambeau 54538
Defendant owes the court: $29,507.94
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 943.38(2) Forgery-Uttering Felony H Charge Dismissed but Read In
2 943.20(1)(a) Theft-Movable Property >$10,000-$100,000 Felony G Guilty Due to No Contest Plea
She was found guilty 10/29/2024
02-10-2025 Amended judgment of conviction

Iron County Case Number 2023CF000055 State of Wisconsin vs. Melissa J Beson
Filing date 11-01-2023
Address
C/O CORE TREATMENT SERVICES, 3 RIVERVIEW DRIVE, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 961.41(3g)(g) Possession of Methamphetamine Felony I
2 946.41(1) Resisting or Obstructing an Officer Misd. A
3 961.573(1) Possess Drug Paraphernalia Misd. U

Iron County Case Number 2023FO000236 City of Hurley vs. Melissa June Beson
Filing date 10-19-2023
Case(s) cross-referenced with this case
2023TR001319, 2023TR001322
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 11-2-11(b) Possession of Marijuana Forf. U Guilty Due to No Contest Plea


Vilas County Case Number 2021CF000317 State of Wisconsin vs. Melissa J. Beson
Filing date 10-01-2021
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 943.20(1)(a) Theft-Movable Property <=$2500 Misd. A Guilty Due to Guilty Plea

Vilas County Case Number 2017CM000081 State of Wisconsin vs. Melissa J. Beson
Filing date 04-12-2017
Count no. Statute Description Severity Disposition
1 948.21(1)(a) Neglecting a Child Misd. A Dismissed on Prosecutor's Motion
Modifier: 939.05 PTAC, as a Party to a Crime
2 961.41(3g)(e) Possession of THC Misd. U Dismissed on Prosecutor's Motion
Modifier: 939.05 PTAC, as a Party to a Crime
3 961.573(1) Possess Drug Paraphernalia Misd. U Guilty Due to No Contest Plea
Modifier: 939.05 PTAC, as a Party to a Crime
4 946.49(1)(a) Bail Jumping-Misdemeanor Misd. A Dismissed on Prosecutor's Motion
5 946.49(1)(a) Bail Jumping-Misdemeanor Misd. A Dismissed on Prosecutor's Motion

 

[Naenaerae]

Here is Melissa’s Facebook page: Log into Facebook

It says she’s from Chicago, maybe she still has ties there? Although it also says she went to Lakeland HS, which is near the Lac du Flambeau reservation where she was reported missing.

 

[truthfinder2019]

Chief of Police T.J. Bill said there had been ground, air and water searches using drones and dogs, and images from over 300 reservation surveillance cameras have been reviewed for clues.

Although we are expending monumental efforts in searching the area in which Mellisa was last seen, we are in no way ignoring the possibility that she may be elsewhere,” said Bill. “Our officers are working non-stop, during every shift, to follow up on every lead and tip that we receive

More at

Ground, air and water searches continue for Lac du Flambeau woman missing since March 17

On Tuesday, April 1, the Lac du Flambeau (LDF) Tribal Police Department said in a press release that it is continuing a search for Melissa Beson, 37, who has been missing since March 17 from the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in Vilas County. Chief of Police T.J. Bill said there had been ground...

www.yahoo.com

 

[truthfinder2019]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02LPrYrotAxqcb8crWFkCPJfUXHQMCZZaW1YZZgLPgqj1HCp6GQznpxQxzWYLcstrml&id=100063529993465

 

[Naenaerae]

Search continues for missing woman as authorities follow up on reports of sightings near Wausau • Wisconsin Examiner

Melissa Beson was reportedly sited near Wausau as Lac du Flambeau tribal police continue searching the forest near where Beson was last seen.

wisconsinexaminer.com

“Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Chief TJ Bill reports that on April 16, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plane provided aerial coverage, and he expects the DNR aircraft will again be available on Monday, April 21.

So far, Bill said, searchers have covered over 824 acres of forest.

“We are not saying she is out in the forest, but we need to make sure, and this is why we are doing the searches,” said Bill.

Recently police received reports that Beson was seen in the Wausau area.

Beson’s mother, Winifred Ann Beson, “Winnie,” told the Wisconsin Examiner on Tuesday, April 8, that her daughter might be with friends and she noted her daughter also likes to travel to other states, but in the past, Beson has always stayed in communication.

“Usually, she calls me if she needs money or is in trouble, but she hasn’t called me,” she said.

“We have been getting numerous reports Melissa is in the Wausau area,” said Bill, “but nothing has been substantiated. We have our officers travelling to Wausau and other areas.”

Beson’s mother also said she is afraid Melissa might have been kidnapped by human traffickers. Native Americans have been targeted by human traffickers who prey on vulnerable populations where there is poverty and high drug use.”

 

[GraceG]

I can understand her mother's fears. At 37 Melissa is more than twice the age of the typical target for sex traffickers but labor trafficking is as big of a danger. Labor trafficking for farming, orchard production, floral/forestry, fishing, livestock ranches, and dairy and food processing centers; construction; casinos; factories; within homes and professional cleaning services as forced domestic servitude happens, and the native population can be particularly vulnerable. Protect Native Communities from Human Trafficking | Homeland Security

 

[Keiri]

On MPIA

Missing Person: Melissa Beson Missing from Lac du Flambeau, WI | Missing People in America

Missing person: Melissa Beson, last seen in Lac du Flambeau, WI. Please help find them.

missingpeopleinamerica.org

 

[Quoththeraven]

On MPIA

Missing Person: Melissa Beson Missing from Lac du Flambeau, WI | Missing People in America

Missing person: Melissa Beson, last seen in Lac du Flambeau, WI. Please help find them.

missingpeopleinamerica.org

It would be really helpful if they told us where she was coming from (possibly her home on Old Indian Village Road), and where she was going. Some reports stated she was last seen near Chequamagon Forest Trail and others near Wayman Lane, both on Indian Village Road. From her home to Lac Du Flambeau is 3.6 miles. (1 hour 19 minutes on foot)

Wayman Lane & Indian Village Road to Lake of the Torches Resort Casino

maps.app.goo.gl

In my research, I thought it interesting that the Lac Du Flambeau Tribe has an online banishment list from tribal lands. Robert S. Lyons, Native American Menominee, another missing person from Keshena, Menominee County, Wisconsin, is on that list. No connection that I'm aware of, just an observation.

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians | Other Pages :: Banishments

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians - Banishments. - LDF Other Pages :: Banishments

www.ldftribe.com

 

[pibblelove]

Lac du Flambeau Police: ‘Melissa, you are not in trouble’, weeks pass in woman’s disappearance

Police say it has been suggested that Beson may be ‘hiding out’. Thursday, they released this message:

“Melissa, please know that you are not in trouble. We are not going to arrest you or take you to jail. All anyone wants is for you to come home. Your family is frantic and the entire community is worried about you. There will be relief and much happiness upon your return. We all know that it was not your intent to cause such concern and worry. It exists because you are cared about, and your absence is felt by everyone. Please contact your family or our Department. If you need transportation, it will be provided. If you need money to assist you in coming home, that, too, will be provided. Just please reach out and let your community know that you are safe.”

 

[Keiri]

Lac du Flambeau Police: ‘Melissa, you are not in trouble’, weeks pass in woman’s disappearance

Police say it has been suggested that Beson may be ‘hiding out’. Thursday, they released this message:

“Melissa, please know that you are not in trouble. We are not going to arrest you or take you to jail. All anyone wants is for you to come home. Your family is frantic and the entire community is worried about you. There will be relief and much happiness upon your return. We all know that it was not your intent to cause such concern and worry. It exists because you are cared about, and your absence is felt by everyone. Please contact your family or our Department. If you need transportation, it will be provided. If you need money to assist you in coming home, that, too, will be provided. Just please reach out and let your community know that you are safe.”

They also said they were searching the forest as a way to explore every possibility but that they didn't think she was in the forest. So this seems like a smart move.

 

[Quoththeraven]

Lac du Flambeau Police: ‘Melissa, you are not in trouble’, weeks pass in woman’s disappearance

Police say it has been suggested that Beson may be ‘hiding out’. Thursday, they released this message:

“Melissa, please know that you are not in trouble. We are not going to arrest you or take you to jail. All anyone wants is for you to come home. Your family is frantic and the entire community is worried about you. There will be relief and much happiness upon your return. We all know that it was not your intent to cause such concern and worry. It exists because you are cared about, and your absence is felt by everyone. Please contact your family or our Department. If you need transportation, it will be provided. If you need money to assist you in coming home, that, too, will be provided. Just please reach out and let your community know that you are safe.”

IMO, considering she hasn't paid anything on her judgement since her 1/31/2025 Victim Restitution Ordered and is facing 6 years in prison, she may very well be arrested. Maybe not by Vilas County, where she disappeared from, but by Oneida County. A very good reason to be 'hiding out.'​

​

Oneida County Case Number 2023CF000419 State of Wisconsin vs. Melissa J. Beson​

Court Sentence;Imposed and stayed: WSP - 6 years;Initial incarceration - 3 years; Extended supervision - 3 years; POP - 5 years; Jail Credit - 315 days; Restitution - TBD within 30 days - to be paid back a minimum of $2,000/yr.

12-18-2023 Defendant owes the court: $29,507.94. Court Sentence; Imposed and stayed: WSP - 6 years.

Restitution - TBD within 30 days - to be paid back a minimum of $2,000/yr. ($166.00 a month)

Balance due to court $29,507.94 Paid to court $0.00

Source: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.

 

[Keiri]

I may have missed it but what happened with her phone? were they able to track it?

 

[haggis]

More than 1,300 acres combed in search for missing Lac du Flambeau woman​

More than 1,300 acres combed in search for missing Lac du Flambeau woman

More than 1300 acres combed in search for missing Lac du Flambeau woman

www.wsaw.com

 

[Keiri]

She was finally added to NamUs The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

 

[Keiri]

Reward now: https://m.facebook.com/groups/871663303488035/permalink/1652329535421404/?

 

[mlhenn]

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2025/05/19/by-foot-boat-plane-search-for-missing-indigenous-woman-continues/83495423007/

After working all night, Tribal Police Chief TJ Bill tries to comfort the family of Melissa Beson.

He knows they haven't given up hope she will be found alive, and neither has he.

But he also knows at least one person has disappeared from the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin each year over the last four years. Some searches have lasted months. Each case was eventually resolved with the discovery of a body.

More at link

 

[mlhenn]

$25,000 reward offered for info on Lac du Flambeau woman missing since March 17 • Wisconsin Examiner

For information resulting in the return of Melissa Beson, 37, who has been missing from a Vilas County reservation since March 17, and/or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in Beson’s disappearance, the Lac du Flambeau (LDF) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is offering a reward of...

wisconsinexaminer.com

For information resulting in the return of Melissa Beson, 37, who has been missing from a Vilas County reservation since March 17, and/or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in Beson’s disappearance, the Lac du Flambeau (LDF) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is offering a reward of $25,000.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The tribe has also offered a $25,000 reward for information concerning a tribal member, Melissa Beson, 37, missing since March 17.

Tribe offers $25,000 reward for info on 1990 cold case murder of Susan Poupart • Wisconsin Examiner

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has announced a reward for information on the disappearance and death of a member in 1990.

wisconsinexaminer.com

 

[Naenaerae]

New information released in disappearance of Melissa Beson as search continues - Wausau Pilot & Review

Wausau Pilot & Review LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wis.?– The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department has released new information in the disappearance of

wausaupilotandreview.com

Investigators now say Beson, a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, accepted a ride from three local individuals in a van shortly after being seen walking on Indian Village Road on March 17, 2025.

The vehicle stopped at a boat landing on Kiboniki Lake, where Beson exited and began walking south along County Highway D.

Search efforts are now concentrated along County D, south of the Kiboniki Lake boat landing.