NEWS

Marshfield man convicted in Packers ticket scam

Karen Madden
News-Herald Media
Patrick R. Blachut.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A Marshfield man accused of stealing more than $50,000 in two counties in a scam that promised Green Bay Packers tickets pleaded no contest in Wood County Circuit Court on Wednesday morning.

Patrick R. Blachut, 37, was found guilty of four felony and five misdemeanor counts of theft by false representation. Wood County Circuit Judge Nicholas Brazeau Jr. ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled Blachut's sentencing for Aug. 6.

Wood County District Attorney Craig Lambert said that, as part of the plea agreement, he would request three years in prison and three years of extended supervision, followed by three years of probation for Blachut.

According to court documents, in September, Blachut approached 15 people, some at Marshfield-area businesses and some at Wisconsin Rapids-area businesses, and offered to sell them Packers tickets. Several people paid more than $6,000 each for what they thought would be season tickets. Blachut told victims he could get tickets because he had connections with the Packers through a previous job, authorities said.

During Wednesday's plea hearing, Lambert said Blachut owes $45,000 in restitution to his victims.

Brazeau dismissed an additional three felony counts and three misdemeanor counts of theft by false representation, but will consider them during Blachut's sentencing.

In April, Blachut entered into a plea agreement in Eau Claire County to a charge of felony theft by fraud. He pleaded guilty to the charge but, if he complies with the terms of the agreement, no conviction will be entered.

Blachut remains free on a $10,000 signature bond.

You can contact reporter Karen Madden at 715-423-7200, ext. 6729, or follow her on Twitter @KMadden715