Algoma-area man receives jail sentence, probation for manufacturing pot By Kevin Boneske For The News-Chronicle An Algoma-area man accused of growing marijuana inside his residence has been placed on three years of probation. Kewaunee County Circuit Court Judge Dennis J. Mleziva on Friday sentenced Dennis J. Worachek, 45, to eight months in jail with Huber-release privileges on felony charges of manufacturing pot and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Worachek was given two days of credit for time already served, while another four months of jail time are being stayed. Worachek's attorney, Jacob M. Blazkovec, asked that Worachek, who works as a baker in Algoma, be placed on electronic monitoring. But Mleziva noted that decision would be up to the discretion of the county jail. Mleziva also ordered Worachek to perform 120 hours of community service during his period of probation. Worachek must undergo an alcohol and other drug abuse assessment and pay the costs of his prosecution and supervision. His driver's license has been suspended for six months. According to court records, a search warrant executed March 6, 2003, at Worachek's town of Ahnapee residence uncovered two marijuana growing operations in separate rooms with four living pots plants. Worachek was also accused of possessing a handgun and carrying a throwing knife. Although acknowledging he took responsibility for his actions, Worachek claimed he grew marijuana for his own medical purposes, not for distribution, while he had been given the gun by his business partner to clean. Blazkovec portrayed his client as someone who provided a "certain amount of good will" with his past community service, as well as employment opportunities for others in his work as a baker. He asked that the sentence not negatively affect others. But Mleziva noted Worachek had a prior conviction for manufacturing controlled substances and said he has to accept responsibility for his actions. "He should have thought about that before he committed the offenses," Mleziva said.