Andrew Gehr
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A former Central Wisconsin man facing a felony count for mistreating animals, causing death may have reached a plea deal with the state.
Andrew Gehr, who now lives in Mankato, MN, was scheduled for a two-day trial beginning Tuesday. Court records show he’s now due for a plea hearing on Wednesday, February 19th. He’s also facing a misdemeanor count for intentionally mistreating animals.
The 34-year-old is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend’s cat and then hiding her in a shed while pretending to help the family look for her. The cat was found days later with serious injuries including an eye that had popped out of its socket. The family rushed the animal to the veterinarian, where she was put down due to the nature of her injuries.
According to the vet, the animal suffered total blindness and a loss of brain function.
Gehr was initially charged with less serious counts, though the charges were upgraded after family members successfully petitioned a judge. The case against Gehr has been in progress for nearly four years and has been scheduled for trial on several occasions, only to be delayed for one reason or another.
He faces up to 3.5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines on the felony charge. Wednesday’s plea hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 AM, and Gehr has requested to appear remotely.
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