Stoughton Police Use Drone to Catch 'Serial Defecator'

A 46-year-old woman was cited for 'Indecent Conduct' after being caught in the act in a city park.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Residents in Stoughton, Wisconsin had been reporting finding human feces and used toilet paper in a city park. The Stoughton Police Department decided to use trail cameras and a drone to catch the culprit, and were able to record a 46-year-old woman in the act of defecating in the park in the early morning hours.

Why it matters

This case highlights the creative use of technology by law enforcement to address a concerning public nuisance issue. While the subject's motivations are unclear, the incident raises questions about mental health, homelessness, and the appropriate public response to such behavior.

The details

After receiving multiple reports of human waste being left in a city park, the Stoughton Police Department set up trail cameras and used a drone to monitor the area. On a Thursday morning, the drone captured footage of a 46-year-old woman defecating in the park. The police cited the woman for 'Indecent Conduct'.

  • The incidents were reported to police over a period of time.
  • The drone footage was captured on a Thursday morning in early 2026.

The players

Stoughton Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that used technology to address the public nuisance issue.

46-year-old woman

The individual who was caught on drone footage defecating in a city park in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“For those concerned that the suspect was/is homeless, she is not.”

— Stoughton Police Department (Facebook)

What’s next

The police will determine if any further action or charges are warranted against the woman based on the evidence gathered.

The takeaway

This case highlights the creative use of technology by law enforcement to address public nuisance issues, while also raising questions about the appropriate response to such behavior and the need for a balanced approach that considers mental health and other underlying factors.