Jerry Pagel

Jerry Pagel, the Calumet County sheriff, appeared in accounts of the response to the apparent discovery of Teresa Halbach's vehicle and the organization of the ensuing investigation. In Avery's trial, Pamela Sturm said she tried Pagel's direct number, then reached him through a dispatcher to report what she believed she had found. Other witnesses described Pagel requesting state assistance, Calumet County taking the investigative lead, and his direction to make a camcorder survey before the scene was released. James Lenk was also questioned about not telling Pagel or other lead investigators of his recent deposition in Avery's lawsuit before joining the search. In Dassey's trial, Thomas Fassbender identified Pagel at the Avery property, said Pagel requested DCI assistance, and said he believed Pagel asked him to serve as a lead investigator.