STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Four individuals have been arrested as a result of a drug investigation that took place on Margaret Street in the city of Rhinelander last Tuesday, Nov. 21.

According to the press release from the Rhinelander Police Department, two persons have already made initial appearances and the remaining persons are expected to appear today in Oneida County Circuit Court.

The investigation began when a Rhinelander Police Department detective went to the residence of Andrea D. Healy and Richard C. Nitschke to follow-up on an unrelated investigation. When the door to the residence was opened by an occupant, the detective reported being overcome with the odor of green marijuana from inside the residence.

The detective subsequently spoke with Richard Nitschke and was denied access to the home. Based on the denied entry to the residence and a concern that evidence of a crime may be destroyed, the detective, with assistance of other officers, made a forced entry into the residence, and secured all persons inside the home and the residence as well.

Another Rhinelander Police detective then obtained a search warrant for the residence, which was then executed. Some of the items allegedly located during the execution of the search warrant were numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, a substance believed to be manufactured Meth, based on field testing, and precursors for the manufacturing of Meth.

The Rhinelander Police Department was assisted with this investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Department of Social Services and the Rhinelander Fire Department.

According to the press release, the Rhinelander Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate drug-related crimes within the city. Anyone having information related to this investigation or having information on any other drug crimes in the city is encouraged to contact the Rhinelander Police Department at (715) 365- 5300.