GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A preliminary hearing for the author known as “Uncle Fester” for his books on how to make ricin, methamphetamine, and other drugs, who now faces a variety of drug charges, will be held Nov. 8 — more than three months after charges were filed.
Stephen Preisler, 65, 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.
Preisler appeared in court Thursday for the balance of his initial appearance, when the preliminary hearing was finally scheduled. Typically, a preliminary hearing is held within 10 days of charges being filed, but nothing had been scheduled as Preisler didn’t have an attorney. Court records show he has an attorney as of Oct. 10.
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. Several of Preisler’s own books, related to drug manufacturing, were also found at his east-side Green Bay home. Preisler has said in court that many of the items seized were not the drugs authorities claim, and asked for testing of those items.
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.
