By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
RHINELANDER – A Rhinelander man facing felony counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and hit and run involving death pleaded guilty to the hit and run charge in Oneida County court on Friday, Feb. 14. The homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle charge was dismissed by District Attorney Michael Schiek.
Jeffrey Liebscher, 54, formerly of Sugar Camp, was arrested on Aug. 29, 2019 following a hit-and-run incident the day before on Highway 17 in Oneida County that killed motorcyclist Sean Holtslander, 23, of St. Germain.
Judge Patrick O’Melia scheduled a sentencing hearing for April 20. Liebscher faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Jeffrey Liebscher’s brother, Brian Liebscher, 55, of Three Lakes, also faces charges in connection to the crime and will appear in Oneida County court on March 12.
Brian Liebscher was arrested on Aug. 30, 2019 for obstructing law enforcement by providing false information about his brother. When contacted in the early morning hours of Aug. 29, Brian allegedly did not inform law enforcement that he had been contacted by Jeffrey after the incident. Brian also allegedly didn’t tell authorities that he had driven Jeffrey to Three Lakes after the incident.
Brian Liebscher faces up to a $10,000 fine and 9 months in jail if convicted.