• Ryan Borgwardt faked his own drowning and fled to Georgia.
• He was sentenced to 89 days in jail, matching the length of his deception.
• Borgwardt pleaded no contest to obstructing an officer and must pay $30,000 in restitution.

Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, was sentenced to 89 days in jail after faking his own death by drowning in a lake, which allowed him to flee the country. This ruling by Judge Mark T. Slate coincides with the 89 days that Borgwardt misled authorities about his whereabouts. Initially, both the defense and prosecution suggested a 45-day sentence; however, the judge emphasized the lengthy deception in his ruling, noting, "He obstructed law enforcement for a total of 89 days," which he deemed necessary as a deterrent against similar future conduct, according to ABC News and CBS News.

Borgwardt was first reported missing on August 12, 2024, after informing his wife he was kayaking on Green Lake. Authorities initially searched the lake for signs of him following the discovery of his overturned kayak and personal effects. However, a prolonged 58-day search failed to locate his body, leading to a shift in investigation focus. Reports indicate he had meticulously plotted the escape, including clearing his internet history and obtaining a new passport shortly before his disappearance, according to CBS News, India Times, and ABC News.

The investigation revealed that Borgwardt had traveled overnight to Madison, then went through Toronto and Paris before reaching the country of Georgia, where he established a new life with a woman he had met online. Prosecutors detailed that his plans involved taking out a life insurance policy and even reversing a vasectomy; actions which were part of a calculated plan to permanently escape his familial responsibilities, with evidence pointing to significant financial transfers overseas, according to India Times and CBS News.

In court, Borgwardt expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "I deeply regret the actions that I did that night and all the pain that I caused my family and friends." His attorney mentioned that despite knowing he would not be extradited, Borgwardt voluntarily returned to face charges. The case took a toll on his family, culminating in a divorce from his wife after 22 years of marriage, highlighting the profound impact of his deceitful actions, according to India Times and ABC News.