Defendant sentenced on Drug and Theft charges

In April of 2017, the Sauk County Drug Task Force opened an investigation into the trafficking of Heroin in the Spring Green area involving the suspect, Nicholas E. Liegel, 43, of Spring Green.

Information received was that Liegel was actively both using and selling Heroin. During the course of the investigation, Liegel delivered Heroin to an informant on two occasions. It was discovered that Liegel was traveling to Madison, WI to obtain the Heroin for sale.

During the investigation, it was also discovered that Liegel was stealing copper from his place of employment, AAM Casings in the City of Reedsburg, and selling it at various scrap yards. The Reedsburg Police Department found that Liegel stole over 24,000 pounds of copper and scrapped for roughly $71,000.

Sauk County Sheriff’s and Reedsburg Detectives surveilled Liegel during trips to Madison and worked cooperatively with Dane County Law Enforcement to identify drug sources being used by Liegel.

In September of 2017, Liegel was arrested and charged with Theft of Moveable Property greater than $10,000, a class G Felony, Receiving Stolen Property greater than $10,000, a class G Felony and 2 counts of Manufacture/Deliver Heroin less than 3 grams each, a class F Felony.

On February 15th, 2018, Liegel pled no contest and was found guilty of one count of Manufacture/Deliver Heroin (<3g) and one count of Theft of Moveable Property (>$10,000), while the other charges were dismissed but read in for sentencing.

Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Klicko sentenced Liegel on the drug charge to 4 years’ probation, costs, fees and restitution, and on the Theft charge, 5 years’ probation, costs, fees and restitution while a 5 year prison sentence was imposed and stayed pending successful completion of his concurrent probation sentences.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff