THIEDE SET FOR WEDNESDAY RELEASE
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 -- 2:15 PM
Gary Thiede will be released from jail Wednesday.Despite protests and picketing, Cherise Nielsen of Probation and Parole tells us they still plan to release Thiede to his new residence sometime Wednesday morning.
Thiede was a young man in 1988 when he murdered a 16-year-old boy in Hatfield. He was also convicted of sexual assault and child enticement. He served a prison sentence and was released in December. Since then, he has resided at the Clark County Jail as agents searched for a suitable residence.
He will move into a home at W4780 Blueberry Road. That address is located south of STH 73 in the Town of Washburn.
Nielsen says agents will chaperone Thiede as they test the GPS and electronic monitoring devices.
"There are a couple of neighbors who specifically asked to make sure the GPS worked (on their property)," Nielsen said. "We have to put them on him to test them. They are aware of this. He actually has to cross that line on their property."
Thiede is required to search for a job. Nielsen notes taxpayers are currently paying for his living arrangements. They want to make sure he starts paying his way as soon as possible.
Since his placement was announced, there have been several meetings and protests. The latest was Monday night at the gazebo in downtown Neillsville. Nielsen knows people are upset, but said there was some constructive discussion last night.
"There were a lot of good questions. A lot of good information was shared. They're looking toward the future. What can we do to protect our community right now, and what can we do to protect it in the future," she says.
One idea that seems to be gaining some traction is the development of a halfway house for criminals like Mr. Thiede. These transitional housing locations are often run by private entities who reach contracts with the state.
Thiede will remain under the supervision of the WI Dept. of Corrections until Sept. 2nd, 2016.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.