Missing Little Chute Man Found in Florida, Jailed as Fugitive

Noah Czarneski was arrested in Fort Myers on outstanding sexual assault charges in Wisconsin.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:05pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty aesthetic of a criminal investigation.The arrest of a missing Wisconsin man on outstanding criminal charges in Florida exposes the complexities of tracking down fugitives.Fort Myers Today

A 20-year-old man who had been reported missing from Little Chute, Wisconsin for over five months has been arrested in Fort Myers, Florida and is being held as a fugitive from justice. Noah Czarneski was booked into the Lee County Jail on Sunday after going missing in October 2025. Czarneski has open criminal cases in Calumet and Brown counties in Wisconsin related to sexual assault charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in locating missing persons, especially those who may be evading authorities on serious criminal charges. The arrest of Czarneski brings some closure to his disappearance, but also raises questions about the handling of his prior cases and the need for improved coordination between state and local jurisdictions.

The details

According to reports, Czarneski was last in contact with his family in Little Chute on October 5, 2025. His vehicle was later found abandoned near Dundas in Calumet County on October 8. Online court records show Czarneski has open cases in Calumet and Brown counties in Wisconsin, including charges of sexual intercourse with a child age 15 or older, third-degree sexual assault, and second-degree sexual assault with use of force.

  • Czarneski was last in contact with family on October 5, 2025.
  • Czarneski's vehicle was found abandoned on October 8, 2025.
  • Czarneski was arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail in Florida on March 30, 2026.

The players

Noah Czarneski

A 20-year-old man from Little Chute, Wisconsin who was reported missing in October 2025 and has since been arrested in Florida on outstanding sexual assault charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Court proceedings related to Czarneski's extradition from Florida to Wisconsin are expected to follow.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for improved coordination between state and local jurisdictions when dealing with missing persons cases, especially those involving individuals wanted on criminal charges. It also raises concerns about the handling of Czarneski's prior cases and the challenges law enforcement faces in locating and apprehending fugitives.