Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jan 2007
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Copyright: 2007 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.madison.com/wsj/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: George Hesselberg

WOMAN PLEADS TO DRUG CHARGE

The survivor of a drug-related shooting that left three men dead in 
rural Blanchardville nearly a year ago pleaded guilty Monday in 
Lafayette County Circuit Court to helping run a drug house.

In return for her guilty plea, authorities will recommend that Jeanna 
Fandrich, now Jeanna Jones, receive no jail time.

Fandrich, 29, and her husband, Brad Fandrich, were living in a 
converted cheese factory last March when two men and a woman burst 
into the residence, planning to steal marijuana. Brad Fandrich shot 
and killed the two men, then killed himself while being interviewed 
by deputies.

It took several months but the two survivors, Jeanna Fandrich and one 
of the robbers, a woman, 23, were charged with felonies. The woman, 
who drove away from the shooting scene where her boyfriend died, 
faces numerous charges in various jurisdictions.

Lafayette County District Attorney Charlotte Doherty said Fandrich 
agreed to plead guilty if the county agreed to not charge her with 
"any of the other charges we could have charged in connection with 
drug crimes that went on in that house, and we would not recommend a 
prison sentence."

Fandrich "further agreed to testify against any other individuals who 
might be charged in the future for drug crimes that occurred in her 
home," Doherty said.

The charge against Fandrich carries a maximum sentence of 1 1/2 years 
in prison plus two years of extended supervision, and a $10,000 fine.

Fandrich told investigators she knew her husband was growing 
marijuana in a secret basement room and helped him grow and process 
it, according to the criminal complaint.

Doherty said her office is working with state and federal authorities 
on potential drug-related charges in connection with the Blanchardville case.

Two young men, Jaeson C. Shepard and Eddie E. Harris, were fatally 
shot by Brad Fandrich at the house. The two conspired with the 23 
year old female, and a man, 22, to steal the marijuana, according to 
court records.

The woman faces felony charges of theft and burglary, along with 
bail-jumping, drug possession and traffic charges. Her longtime 
lawyer, William Remington, drowned Dec. 15 while on vacation in St. 
Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine