Both suspects are currently out of state but are expected to face a court date in Seattle soon.
SEATTLE — King County prosecutors have charged a couple with stealing $2.6 million from the estate of a deceased Issaquah man, alleging they used a forged will, stolen funds and falsified signatures.
Both suspects are out of state but are expected to face a court date in Seattle soon.
The case centers on Michael Flegle, 73, who lived alone in his Issaquah home.
“Mr. Flegle passed away in a house fire in 2024. As they were investigating the death, investigators stumbled across evidence of financial crimes,” said Chris Fyall, a senior deputy prosecuting attorney for King County.
Detectives found signs of a burglary inside the home, and the investigation soon led to Ronald Wisner.
“We know that six days after the house fire, Mr. Wisner sold Michael Flegle’s car, and as he did that, as described in the charging paperwork, he presented the car as something that he had possessed for more than a year. We know that’s not true,” Fyall said.
As the investigation continued, authorities examined whether Wisner and Flegle had any prior relationship.
“Were Mr. Wisner and Mr. Flegle friends? The evidence that she uncovered suggests no, they weren’t,” Fyall said, referring to the lead detective on the case.
Investigators believe Wisner may have identified Flegle through the King County Medical Examiner’s website, which lists ongoing death investigations.
“We don’t know for sure how he found Mr. Flegle’s name, but one way he might have would be there because Mr. Flegle’s name was published on the medical examiner’s website,” Fyall said.
Prosecutors allege Wisner then forged signatures on a fraudulent will and used it to funnel money into his own accounts. Financial records indicate his wife also participated in the alleged theft and money laundering.
“Right now, there are arrest warrants for both Mr. and Mrs. Wisner, and we’re hoping to find them and get them arraigned soon,” Fyall said.
Ronald Wisner faces 22 counts as the primary suspect in the case, while his wife faces three counts.
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