"I'm not bailing her out:" Tough love from Rep. John Nygren towards daughter arrested again for drugs

BROWN COUNTY (WITI) -- Drugs don't discriminate. The daughter of a Wisconsin lawmaker has been arrested yet again for her involvement with drugs -- and her father seems to be showing her some tough love in the hope she straightens up.

Twenty-five-year-old Cassie Nygren of Marinette appeared in Brown County court on Monday, September 29th after being arrested Friday morning. Nygren faces two counts of possession of narcotic drugs and one count of possessing an illegally obtained prescription. Police say they found crushed prescription pills in her car.

Nygren's struggle with heroin has made her a face of recovery and prompted her father, Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) to draft legislation aimed at helping addicts.

"The detriment is on the family. People will lie, steal and do what they have to do to get that drug. She's spent almost three of the last four years in jail," Rep. Nygren said.

Cassie Nygren has already been convicted twice for drug possession in Marinette County.

Rep. Nygren told WBAY-TV that he's "disappointed, saddened, a little angry" but not surprised by his daughter's arrest. He did not appear at her hearing.

"She made this mistake. I'm not bailing her out. She needs to be responsible for her mistakes. She's an adult," Rep. Nygren said.

Cassie Nygren has a $5,000 cash bond set in the latest case against her.

While Rep. Nygren is choosing to use tough love with his daughter, IMPACT Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Program Director Patricia Gutierrez says:

"Every person is different. Every case is going to be different. There is no one correct way of doing it," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez says heroin use is growing.

"Last number we had, it had increased about 300% in Milwaukee County from what we've seen and by no means do we see it all. It's starting out younger," Gutierrez said.

Ironically, Rep. Nygren has been one of the most vocal advocates for sobriety in Wisconsin. His daughter's struggle with drugs motivated him to draft seven drug-related bills. They were signed into law by Governor Scott Walker last April.

Gutierrez says the fight to stay sober is hard for those struggling with addiction.

"Your addiction will always  be there. It's about how you manage it," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez says maybe this high-profile case in Wisconsin can bring the issue of heroin use to the forefront.

"Talking about it, bringing awareness to it could stop that one person from trying it -- saying 'I don`t want to try it, the heroin. I`ve seen what `s happened in the news,'" Gutierrez said.

If you are concerned about a loved one who is using drugs, IMPACT can help. You can talk with counselors who can help you get that person help. CLICK HERE to learn more about IMPACT.

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