By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A local woman who dragged a Nekoosa officer alongside her vehicle was sentenced in court today.

In August, 19-year-old Mariah Czappa was found guilty of reckless endangerment by fleeing Nekoosa police in May, as she dragged an officer alongside her vehicle in an escape attempt during a traffic stop. She also faced charges of possession of methamphetamine, as well as other unrelated charges of bail jumping and theft. Faced with the charge of reckless endangerment and fleeing police, Czappa faced up to 28 years imprisonment and over $50,000 in fines.

Her final sentence: 10 years and six months, with four years and six months of extended supervision, which means Czappa will serve a total of approximately five years in prison. She has already served a large portion of the initial year while held in custody at a Fond Du Lac correctional facility.

Czappa was also sentenced for multiple unrelated charges in other cases, but will be served concurrent with the larger sentence.

“Everyone here wants you to succeed.” said Wood Co. Circuit Court Judge Gregory Potter to a very tearful Czappa, as he hopes she can rehabilitate herself in the future. Czappa will continue to serve her sentence at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution.