Stephan Reetz (Outagamie Co. Jail)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Stephan Reetz was convicted Tuesday in connection with a fatal crash in Freedom.
Reetz, 42, pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. A charge of homicide by use a vehicle while using a controlled substance was dropped. Sentencing is scheduled for June 2.
As part of the plea deal, prosecutors will recommend the maximum of five years in prison and five years of extended supervision, plus community service. The defense is free to make whatever sentencing recommendation it finds appropriate, the attorneys said.
The plea avoids a trial, which had been scheduled to start May 2.
Prosecutors say a 52-year-old Seymour man, whose name was not released, was driving his motorcycle north on Highway E around 10:30 p.m. on June 7, 2023. Reetz, who was headed west on Greiner Road, allegedly did not come to a complete stop at a stop sign before making a left turn. He told police he believed the motorcycle was “way down there” and pulled out. However, the motorcycle hit Reetz’s SUV, killing the motorcyclist.
Reetz’s blood tested positive for THC, the active component of marijuana.
Unlike alcohol, where drivers can test positive for limited amounts of it and still legally drive, any detectable amount of marijuana can result in criminal charges.
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