By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — Two individuals charged in connection in the death of Gary Mayek appeared in court on Feb. 4.

Matthew Zdzieblowski, (left) Amber Weisnicht, (right) (Photo: Portage County Sheriff’s Office)

On Jan. 16, police arrested two individuals in connection with the death of Gary Mayek, who was reported missing, and days later found dead in his vehicle on Jan. 9 in Plover.

46-year-old Matthew Zdzieblowski and his girlfriend, 24-year-old Amber Weisnicht appeared in court for felony charges of hiding a corpse during the incident on Jan. 5.

According to the criminal complaint, Zdzieblowski received a text from the third person of interest, Jason Meisel, urging him to come to an area hotel. Zdzieblowski allegedly noticed that Mayek was not breathing properly and told authorities that he offered assistance, and to seek medical help for him.

Jason Meisel.

At the behest of Meisel, he told Zdzieblowski that Mayek would eventually recover. The two went to get help from Weisnicht, who upon return, found that Mayek had stopped breathing. The complaint alleges that the three may have staged the body to make it look as if Mayek was drinking.

Mayek’s autopsy results have not yet been released.

If convicted, Zdzieblowski and Wiesnicht face up to 12 years imprisonment, and up to $25,000 in fines. The third person, Jason Meisel, is still being held, awaiting charges.