Wisconsin Funeral Director William Feerick Faces Felony Drug Charges After Young Male Companion Overdoses

Shorewood, Wisconsin

Shorewood Police responded to a residential call, concerning a 22-year-old man and an overdose. What they found on the scene included an overdose victim, a 52-year-old funeral director and a stash of drugs that would make any junkie jump with joy.

Anthony Vitrano, the 22-year-old victim had overdosed on heroin, according to authorities. In the house with him, was William "Bill" Feerick, a funeral director and co-owner of Feerick Funeral Home in Shorewood.

After sending Vitrano to the hospital, police took a look around the funeral director’s home and discovered a stash of pain killers, marijuana pipes, a vile with cocaine residue and other drugs.

Police have charged Feerick with possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. He could be facing up to three years in prison. The recovering Vitrano has also been charged with possession of heroin.

Update: (Oct. 14, 2011)

Funeral Home Director May Avoid Jail Time Over Drug Charges

William R. Feerick agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement this week for charges of possessing prescription pills and marijuana that were filed after a Muskego man in February.

As part of the agreement, Feerick pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance, while one count of possession of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, was dismissed.

Although he pleaded guilty to a felony charge, Feerick could see the charges dropped to a misdemeanor and avoid jail time if he doesn’t commit any crimes in the next six months.