Stephen Preisler. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A pre-trial hearing set for Monday for Stephen Preisler on drug manufacture and delivery charges was postponed because Preisler was arrested Sunday in Waupaca County.
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 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. Trial is scheduled to start Oct. 7.
Monday’s hearing was supposed to address evidentiary and other issues ahead of the trial, but Preisler wasn’t there because he’s in the Waupaca County jail, according to defense attorney Steven Maciolek. It was rescheduled for July 21.
Waupaca County jail records show Preisler was booked into the jail early Sunday morning. Officials say the requested charges are for bail jumping, but no other details were immediately available.
Preisler may make an initial appearance in Waupaca court later Monday.
Preisler was previously convicted of bail jumping counts associated with the case. He was placed on probation and ordered to spend six months in jail. One manufacture of amphetamine count was dismissed, as two set of lab test results showed the material was not an illegal substance.
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. Additional drug and bail jumping charges were later added.
Preisler also faces a civil suit filed by the city of Green Bay, seeking to have his Baird Street home declared a public nuisance in order to be sold or razed. No hearings are currently scheduled in that case.
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