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Walworth County family searching for 70-year-old father who suffers from dementia

Posted at 6:18 PM, Oct 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-23 19:20:20-04

A Walworth County family is searching for their 70-year-old father who suffers from dementia. He was last seen shortly after he was released from the county jail last Friday.

James Demeusse was taken into custody after a disturbance at the family home Friday morning. The disturbance was caused by his disease, according to his family. 

“My dad is the sweetest man….always. But from when he got sick from this in June or July, you can see that he is a different person” said his daughter Tammi Wrzesinski. She is leading up the civilian search for her father, with help from friends and the team from the Disaster Dogs of Illinois, who have brought in K-9 help. 

The Town of Geneva Police Department is heading up the official search efforts for Demeusse. A spokesperson said today that drones, ATVs, and even a helicopter have been used in the search since Friday evening. Officers continued to look for the man while on their regular shifts throughout the day. 

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, who runs the jail, didn't not return our calls on the procedures in place when someone with a disease like dementia is released from jail. Family members say authorities have told them they believe Demeusse may have gotten in someone’s car and may not be in the area anymore.