Stephen "Uncle Fester" Preisler appears in court via video conference Jan. 29, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — One cocaine possession charge was dropped and bond was reduced Monday for Stephen Preisler, the author known as “Uncle Fester” for his books on how to make ricin, methamphetamine and other drugs.
Preisler originally faced eight counts, filed in July: four of manufacture or delivery of amphetamine, and one count each of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possess methamphetamine precursors, and maintaining a drug trafficking house. After he posted bond, he was arrested again and charged with three more counts.
The criminal complaint states the amount of methamphetamines allegedly found in his home could last the average user anywhere from 328 days to over 3,000 days.
In court Monday, defense attorney Eric Maciolek noted test results from the state crime lab for controlled substances came back negative from bags seized from the basement. He argued that several counts should be dismissed as a result.
“This case, as it stands now, is not a particularly extraordinary one. It’s not special,” said Maciolek.
Assistant District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil said there was still a significant amount of meth in the home, so that charge will remain. But the cocaine possession charge will be dropped, and the meth manufacturing charge still might be dismissed, she said.
“There is analysis being done because we did locate meth in Mr. Preisler’s bedroom. We located it in the house, and it was a significant enough that it was possession with intent to deliver meth,” said Lemkuil.
Judge John Zakowski reduced the bond from $250,000 cash to $60,000 cash. Online jail records indicate Preisler posted bond and was released on Monday.
His Feb. 7 trial was postponed. He returns to court April 5, at which point a new trial date may be set.
The city also initiated civil action to have the home on E. Baird Street declared a public nuisance in an effort to force a sale or have it demolished. No hearings are currently scheduled in that case.
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