Former Jefferson County Deputy Facing Felony Burglary Charges

(Jefferson) Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath has issued a press release apologizing to the community for the (quote) “embarrassment and mistrust” a former deputy may have caused. Janelle Gericke has been formally charged with felony Burglary for allegedly attempting to gain access to homes without consent while off-duty in February. The criminal complaint states that the 29-year-old would allegedly attempt to enter homes while the homeowners were attending the funeral of a family member. She reportedly read online obituaries to find the next of kin, along with the funeral date and time. Gericke was terminated from her position in the jail division in July. Milbrath is assuring the public that the values, integrity and standards of the sheriff’s office will continue to be upheld and says he refuses to let events like this define his department and the people who work hard every day to serve the community with honor and pride. Gericke is slated to make an initial appearance in a Jefferson County courtroom on December 30.