Attorney brings up possible spousal abuse during preliminary hearing

BY EILEEN PERSIKE
Editor

Megan Danielczak, the Rhinelander woman charged with hiring a “hit man” to kill her husband, was bound over for trial by Oneida County Circuit Judge Patrick O’Melia Friday.

Danielczak, 27, is charged with solicitation of first degree intentional homicide, a class F felony. According to the criminal complaint, Danielczak sought out and met with a person she believed would kill her husband. That person was a confidential informant who had worked with the Oneida County Sheriff’s office in the past. Investigators allege financial gain, in the form of a life insurance policy, was the motive.

In court for the preliminary hearing, Danielczak’s court-appointed attorney, Chad Lynch, questioned Rhinelander Police Det. Sgt. Kyle Parish, the only witness called by the state, about the life insurance, and alleged abuse by Nicholas Danielczak, Megan’s husband.

“Isn’t it correct that every time there was mention of the insurance policy, the beneficiary or any money, it was brought up by the (confidential informant),” asked Lynch, to which Parish responded, “yes, I believe so.”

Lynch also alleged that Ms. Danielczak twice moved “states away” to try and get away from her husband.

“Are you aware of any physical abuse that happened throughout the seven years of the marriage,” Lynch asked.

“When I interviewed Nicholas (Danielczak), he said there used to be abuse way back when he was in the military,” said Parish.

The criminal complaint states that Danielczak met with the informant and a Wisconsin Department of Justice special agent, who posed as a hit man, Feb. 14 in a Lincoln Street parking lot in Rhinelander. The purpose of the meeting was allegedly to discuss payment for the homicide. During the meeting, which detectives said was recorded by the undercover agent and the informant, Danielczak reportedly handed over an envelope with cash, and three rings for a down payment. She indicated to them how and when she would pay the balance, which was to be about $4,500.

The following day, detectives arrested Danielczak at her place of employment. She remains free on a $15,000 cash bond. Her next court appearance is March 5, when she will enter a plea.

If convicted, Danielczak could face up to 7 ½ years in prison, up to five years of extended supervision and a $25,000 fine.