Former golf pro busted in human trafficking sting

Dan Buckley, 71, Rhinelander, was arrested on June 5 by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and is being charged with a class A misdemeanor for soliciting prostitution for sexual gratification. 

Court records show Buckley, a local realtor and former golf professional of Northwood Golf Club, appeared in Oneida County court on Monday for an initial appearance and Judge Michael Schiek ordered a $500 signature bond for him.

According to two supplemental reports prepared by law enforcement officers with the sheriff’s office, Buckley engaged in online conversations from June 3 to June 5 with an undercover officer to pay $50 for oral sex. 

After making arrangements to meet the undercover officer at 9 p.m. on June 5, he drove to an undisclosed location where he was arrested at approximately 9:30 p.m. 

According to the supplemental reports, Buckley had nothing of evidentiary value on him except for the money he was going to use to pay who he thought was a prostitute and his cell phone, which sat in the front seat of his 2015 red Toyota Tacoma. 

The supplemental reports also show Buckley was not apprehensive towards law enforcement.

Oneida County sheriff Grady Hartman told The Northwoods River News Monday Buckley’s arrest was part of a larger sting operation the sheriff’s department conducted to crack down on human trafficking in the county. 

According to court records, Buckley has a pre-trial conference scheduled in Oneida County court for July 29 at 2 p.m.

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].