Felony OWI
A Pulaski man whose vehicle went into a ditch along state Highway 29 last week has been charged with a felony count of eighth offense operating while intoxicated.
Steven L. Ponfil, 45, could face a maximum 10 years in prison and $25,000 fine if convicted.
Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a reckless driver on Highway 29 in the town of Maple Grove on Friday and found the vehicle in a ditch, according to the criminal complaint.
The complaint states Ponfil showed signs of intoxication but refused a blood draw. A warrant was obtained to take a blood test.
According to the criminal complaint, Ponfil has six prior OWI convictions in Shawano County and one in Price County.
He was sentenced in Shawano County in 2005 to two years in prison and three years extended supervision for his seventh OWI offense.
Ponfil posted a $4,000 cash bond and is due back in court on the new charge on Jan. 17.
Felony firearm possession
A Shawano man who reported a supposed burglary in the town of Richmond last week, and told dispatchers he fired shots at the suspects, has been charged with felony counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
Ronald K. Verhagen, 48, called 911 on Dec. 20, according to the criminal complaint, and reported there were people in the back of his shop and that he fired a shot at them.
A second gunshot was heard as deputies arrived, according to the complaint. Verhagen later told them the gun fired accidentally after he dropped it.
Deputies found no other people in the shop and no evidence of a break-in, according to the complaint.
Verhagen could face a maximum 10 years in prison and $25,000 fine on the charge of possession of a firearm by a felon if convicted, and six years and a $10,000 fine for possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Verhagen posted a $500 cash bond and is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance Tuesday.