Thomas Goehe, 34 of Conover received a three year probation sentence in Vilas County court Thursday but had nine months jail time waiting should probation be revoked. Goehe was the last of seven persons charged with various drug offenses as a result of a sting operation at the home of James and Jennifer Ringe, 1125 Lakeside Court in St. Germain. Authorities were made aware of the drug activity after being called for an overdose death.
Goehe pled no contest and was found guilty of one felony count of possession of narcotics after a second charge of having drug paraphernalia dismissed.
Vilas County district attorney Al Moustakis urged a jail term telling substitute Judge Leon Stenz of Forest County Goehe's $3,000 a week drug habit and his history tells us he won't change.
Defense Attorney Gary Cirilli indicated he remained clean on a past five year probation which shows he can do it. Goehe read a prepared statement admitting he had a drug problem and broke down several times.
Judge Stenz said Goehe had been through the system several times and knew the consequences. He imposed and stayed a nine month jail sentence and placed Goehe on probation for three months. In addition, he gave Goehe 30 days to enroll in an in-patient program or serve 120 days in jail.
