Stephen Preisler, a.k.a. "Uncle Fester" appears in Brown County court, Sept. 12, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Stephen Preisler, the author known as Uncle Fester, was sentenced Friday to a year in prison after having his probation revoked due to failed drug tests.
Preisler, 67, gained renown under the name “Uncle Fester” for his books on how to make ricin, methamphetamine and other drugs. In July 2023, he was charged in Brown County with multiple drug manufacturing and delivery counts after items were seized from his Baird Street home. Since then, additional charges, including drug possession and bail jumping, have been added.
In January 2025, Preisler was convicted of two bail jumping charges for using drugs, which he cited as coping with pain issues. He originally was placed on probation and was ordered to serve six months in jail.
After another failed drug test, his probation was revoked. On Friday, Judge John Zakowski sentenced him to one year in prison and two years of extended supervision.
He also faces sentencing in Waupaca County Feb. 13 after being revoked from probation in that county as well.
Meanwhile, Preisler is scheduled to stand trial May 18 on the original set of charges.
The first criminal complaint alleged the amount of methamphetamines allegedly found in his home could last the average user anywhere from 328 days to over 3,000 days. Preisler has repeatedly disputed that the items seized were illegal substances.
Preisler also faces a civil suit filed by the city of Green Bay, seeking to have his home declared a public nuisance in order to be sold or razed. No hearings are currently scheduled in that case.
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