Digest

This podcast delves into the murder of Andy Sherex, an 18-year-old who disappeared after agreeing to testify against his uncle, Richard Sherex, and Tracy George. The episode details the events leading up to Andy's disappearance, including the threats made against him and the subsequent investigation. The trial of Tracy George and Richard Sherex is covered, highlighting the conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Andy's death and the evidence presented in court. Tracy George was found not guilty of murder but convicted of burglary, intimidation, and extortion, and sentenced to 32 years in prison. Richard Sherex was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The episode then delves into a milk watering scheme involving the victim's father, Helmut, and his farm. A compliance officer from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture revealed an investigation into the scheme, which involved adding water to milk to increase its volume and profit. The podcast details the method used to water down the milk, involving adding water during the rinse cycle of the milk line. George, who worked on the farm, noticed the discrepancy in milk volume and confirmed the scheme through his own measurements. The scheme allegedly generated significant profits for Helmut. The episode discusses Helmut's financial troubles and how the milk watering scheme helped him save his farm. Heinz, Helmut's son and Andy's brother, confirmed the milk watering scheme and revealed that Andy was aware of it. Heinz also expressed his willingness to testify against his father, believing that Helmut would lose everything. The episode discusses the aftermath of the milk watering scheme, including Helmut's continued success despite the investigation. Neighbors expressed their suspicions about the source of Helmut's wealth, highlighting the impact of the scheme on the community. The episode concludes with updates on Richard's life, including his minor infractions and bankruptcy filing.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Andy Sherex and the Milk Watering Scheme

This episode explores the murder of Andy Sherex in Tomah, Wisconsin, and the subsequent trial of Tracy George, revealing a complex web of conspiracy, deceit, and a milk watering scheme that shook the small town. The episode details the events leading up to Andy's disappearance, including the threats made against him and the subsequent investigation. The trial of Tracy George and Richard Sherex is covered, highlighting the conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Andy's death and the evidence presented in court. The episode then delves into a milk watering scheme involving the victim's father, Helmut, and his farm, revealing the details of the scheme and its impact on the community.

00:12:21

The Case of Tracy George and Andy Sherex

This segment delves into the murder case of Andy Sherex, an 18-year-old who disappeared after agreeing to testify against his uncle, Richard Sherex, and Tracy George. It outlines the events leading up to Andy's disappearance, including the threats made against him and the subsequent investigation.

00:28:18

Even the Royals Podcast Promotion

This segment is an advertisement for the podcast "Even the Royals," which explores the darker side of royal families around the world. It highlights some of the intriguing stories featured in the podcast.

00:29:35

Generation Y: The Olympic Park Bombing Podcast Promotion

This segment is an advertisement for the podcast "Generation Y: The Olympic Park Bombing," which investigates the aftermath of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing. It encourages listeners to join the podcast and learn more about the case.

00:50:44

Empire City Podcast Promotion

This segment is an advertisement for the podcast "Empire City," which explores the untold origin story of the NYPD. It highlights the podcast's focus on the department's history of violence and corruption.

00:52:39

The Pitcairn Trials Podcast Promotion

This segment is an advertisement for the podcast "The Pitcairn Trials," which investigates a shocking story of abuse on the British territory of Pitcairn Island. It encourages listeners to join Wendry Plus to access the podcast.

00:53:41

The Trial of Tracy George and Richard Sherex

This segment focuses on the trial of Tracy George and Richard Sherex, detailing the defense attorney's opening statements and the arguments presented. It highlights the conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Andy's death and the evidence presented in court.

01:04:34

Tracy George's Trial and Sentencing

Tracy George, accused of murder, was found not guilty but convicted of burglary, intimidation, and extortion. He faced a maximum of 20 years in prison. The prosecutor urged a severe sentence, citing the need to protect the public. George expressed remorse and requested a light sentence, while his lawyer argued for a maximum of 2-3 years. The judge, however, sentenced George to 32 years in prison, with parole eligibility in 8 years.

01:08:45

Richard's Sentencing and Milk Watering Scheme

Richard, George's accomplice, was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The episode then delves into a milk watering scheme involving the victim's father, Helmut, and his farm. A compliance officer from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture revealed an investigation into the scheme, which involved adding water to milk to increase its volume and profit.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main events that led to Andy Sherex's disappearance and subsequent death?

  Andy Sherex was set to testify against his uncle, Richard Sherex, and Tracy George for crimes including vandalism of a cranberry bog and theft. After being threatened by both men, Andy disappeared on the day he was supposed to testify. His body was later found in a swamp, and Tracy George was convicted of his murder.

• What were the key pieces of evidence that led to the conviction of Tracy George?

  The key pieces of evidence included Richard Sherex's confession, which implicated Tracy George in the murder, and the testimony of Timothy King, a cellmate of Tracy George, who overheard George's reaction to the discovery of Andy's body. Additionally, bloodhounds tracked the scent of Tracy George's jail uniform directly to Andy's body.

• What were the arguments presented by the defense attorney for Tracy George?

  The defense attorney argued that Richard Sherex was the real killer, claiming that he had more motive to kill Andy than George. He also challenged Richard's testimony about George's confession, suggesting that Richard was the one who fabricated the story to avoid responsibility for his own actions.

• What charges was Tracy George found guilty of, and what was his sentence?

  Tracy George was found not guilty of murder but guilty of burglary, intimidation, and extortion. He was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with parole eligibility in 8 years.

• What was the milk watering scheme, and how did it work?

  The milk watering scheme involved adding water to milk to increase its volume and profit. This was done by leaving the water used to rinse the milk line running into the bulk tank for 20-30 minutes each night.

• What evidence was presented to support the milk watering scheme?

  George's own measurements confirmed the scheme, and Heinz, Helmut's son, corroborated the details. The Department of Agriculture also investigated the scheme and found evidence of water being added to the milk.

• What was the impact of the milk watering scheme on Helmut and his farm?

  The scheme helped Helmut save his farm from financial troubles. He was able to build a new barn, buy new tractors, and even drive a Lincoln Continental. However, the scheme also put the reputation of Wisconsin's dairy products at risk.

• What was Andy's involvement in the milk watering scheme, and how did it potentially contribute to his death?

  Andy was aware of the milk watering scheme and may have known about other illegal activities on the farm. This knowledge could have made him a target for those involved in the conspiracy, potentially leading to his murder.

Show Notes