Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
A Belle Plaine man accused of firing a handgun during a disturbance Thursday has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, but he also faces a felony count of drug trafficking in a separate case.
Justin D. Seefeldt, 28, could face a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty of the felony charge.
He was charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place as a result of a search warrant executed at his residence in May.
Criminal complaints in both cases were filed Monday.
Seefeldt was taken into custody Friday as a suspect in the shooting incident outside a Belle Plaine bar the day before. Authorities said they are referring a charge of endangering safety with the use of a weapon.
However, Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney Greg Parker said the investigation reports warranted only a charge of disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon.
Sheriff’s Lt. George Lenzner said Thursday witnesses were providing conflicting information about the incident.
Authorities said at the time they believed the suspect fired a round from a 9 mm handgun at a vehicle leaving the scene of an apparent drug deal gone bad. No one was hurt in the incident, which took place outside Mickster’s bar shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to the sheriff’s department.
In the felony drug case, Shawano County sheriff’s detectives conducted three garbage picks at Seefeldt’s residence in April and May, each time finding plant material that tested positive for marijuana, according to the criminal complaint.
During the execution of the search warrant May 30, authorities seized a white plastic container with green plant residue, as well as a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia, according to the complaint.
Seefeldt was freed on a $1,500 signature bond after a court hearing Monday. He is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance July 27.