Wisconsin kayaker turned himself in after officials say he faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe

A Wisconsin man who officials say faked his own death and fled to Eastern Europe is expected in court Wednesday after turning himself in to authorities, according to the Green Lake County Sheriff Office.

A Wisconsin man who officials say faked his own death and fled to Eastern Europe was charged with a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer Wednesday after he turned himself in to authorities. Ryan Borgwardt, who was reported missing in August, flew back to the United States willingly, arriving Tuesday, said Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll, who remained tight-lipped on why the man left his wife and three children by allegedly staging a kayaking accident, and where exactly he’s been for the past four months. “He came back on his own,” said Podoll during a news conference Wednesday. When asked by the media why Borgwardt decided to return, Podoll added, “His family, I guess.” Borgwardt appeared in court Wednesday and said he could not afford an attorney and offered to represent himself. Circuit Court Judge Mark T. Slate reminded the defendant he has the right to a court-appointed attorney and could request one if needed. Slate entered a not guilty plea on Borgwardt’s behalf and ordered a $500 signature bond. When asked about setting a bond, Borgwardt said, “I have $20 in my wallet. That’s what I have.” If convicted of the obstruction charge, Borgwardt faces a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and nine months in jail, Judge Slate said.