A former Rhinelander high school English teacher has been sentenced for theft and drugs.
As part of a plea bargain to include several charges, 35 year old Joshua Juergens was given four years probation, and 31 additional days in jail. Juergens was arrested in September after a disturbance at his residence. Later a search warrant was served by police who found a computer belonging to Rhinelander high school and a marijuana grow operation. District Attorney Michael Schiek said four charges were dismissed after Juergens entered guilty pleas to theft and drug charges...
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"....the belief from the state that Mr. Juergens has a very significant substance abuse problem..."
As part of the agreement, Juergens must complete his time at a local drug treatment facility where he has been for 59 days. Juergens apologized to the community...
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"....I would like to apologize to the community as well as the School District of Rhinelander. My behavior was unacceptable, and I do take responsibility for that..."
Juergens admitted to selling a pontoon boat and a log splitter belonging to his landlord. He must pay more than $4,000 to make good on those thefts. He admitted taking the items for drug money.
Judge Leon Stenz also put down a number of conditions during probation, including not drinking alcohol.
Juergens was fired by the Rhinelander School District after his arrest.
