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More jail, probation in mushroom case
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MONROE - Nearly six months of time served in the Green County jail is not enough for William Tyler Wilson, according to Judge James Beer, who sentenced the 19-year-old Thursday, Dec. 13 in Green County Circuit Court for one felony count of possession of psilocin or psilocybin with intent to manufacture, distribute or deliver 100 grams or less.

"There needs to be a component above six months," Beer said, before adding an additional four months in the county jail.

Beer also sentenced Wilson to three years of probation. "Two years is too short ... try to get your act into shape," he added.

Wilson, New Glarus, originally faced multiple felony charges, in connection with a major growing operation of hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms using a rental house for seven months in New Glarus, along with Brandon K. Satterstrom, 26; and David Raymond Warner, 23, both of Madison. They were charged Nov. 1, 2011.

Wilson's felony charges for manufacturing and delivering and for maintaining a drug trafficking place were dismissed in October. He pleaded no contest to the remaining charge, a class G felony that carries a maximum sentence of a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both.

Beer did not impose a fine, because it would be "counterproductive to rehabilitation," he said.

Wilson had no job when he was arrested, but was receiving about $1,500 a month from the growing operation, according to Beer. Beer allowed a work release.

Wilson was ordered by the court to "get a job and not quit for any reason, or attend school full-time" during his next four months in jail. He must also undergo drug and alcohol treatment; possess or consume no alcohol or drugs; have no contact with the two other defendants in the case; and pay court and probationary supervision costs.

Beer also allowed the transfer of Wilson to Montana, his home state and where his family, including his father and a sister reside, to complete his probation period.

Letters of support for Wilson, from his father, sister and a teacher, were submitted and read by Beer before issuing his sentencing.

Court records online indicate Warner is scheduled for an evidentiary hearing Jan. 9 before Beer.

He pleaded not guilty in June to all four charges against him. Warner is free on a $1,000 cash bond and with his father co-signing on a $9,000 signature bond in August.

Satterstrom is scheduled for a motion hearing Jan. 25, also before Beer. He too pleaded not guilty in August to four charges against him. He is free on $1,000 cash bond and $4,000 signature bond. His father co-signed his bonds.

Both men are charged with three felony counts: Manufacturing and distribution or delivery of psilocin (more than 500g); possession of psilocin (100-500g) with intent to manufacture, distribute or deliver; and maintaining a drug trafficking place. They were also charged with an unclassified misdemeanor of possess of drug paraphernalia.

If found guilty, they each face total felony penalties of up to $85,000, up to 31 years in jail or both. The maximum terms of imprisonment could be increased by five years for distribution because the criminal complaints allege they operated out of a house in the 1100 block of 7th Street, which stands within 1000 feet of a village-owned park.

During a sweep of the home with a search warrant in June, police discovered a vast mushroom-growing operation in the basement. Officers seized more than 1,000 Mason jars, 97 syringes, 67 plastic growing bins, an electric dehydrator, and about 700 pounds of mushroom substrate.

Also seized in the raid were about 2,500 grams (five and a half pounds) of psilocybin mushrooms.