Ex-Wisconsin deputy arrested in home break-in, hydrocodone theft

JEFFERSON, Wis. (WITI) -- Charges of burglary and felony bail jumping were filed Tuesday against a former Jefferson County deputy accused of breaking into/trying to break into homes of grieving families after prosecutors said she was caught on camera breaking into a Jefferson home.

A criminal complaint says around 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 24, Jefferson police officers were called to a Jefferson home for a burglary. The homeowner found hydrocodone missing from his bathroom drawer.

Surveillance video reportedly showed a woman walking to the detached garage and heading for a service door. Investigators spoke with Gericke later that day.

Gericke faces one count of burglary of a building or dwelling, filed Dec. 17. Janelle Gericke was in court Dec. 30 in that case.

Sheriff's office personnel discovered evidence that led officials to suspect Gericke may have been involved in illegal conduct while off-duty.

A criminal complaint against Gericke said attempts to gain access to homes “occurred while the homeowners were attending the funeral of a family member. In such instances, the deceased person's online obituary listed the homeowners as surviving relatives along with the date and time of funeral services.”

Gericke had been employed by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office since February 2016 and was a deputy assigned to the Jail Division. Her employment was terminated on July 3, 2019.