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High-Speed Chase Ends in Courtroom: One Faces Potential Child Pornography Charges
Kenosha, Wis. — A 23-year-old Milwaukee man who led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase through western Kenosha County is being held on $75,000 cash bail as prosecutors weigh possible child pornography charges related to his relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Jose Luis Soto-Nunez appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on March 27 and faces six felony charges stemming from the March 26 incident, including fleeing police, multiple counts of recklessly endangering safety, and operating a vehicle without the owner’s
High-Speed Chase Ends in Courtroom: One Faces Potential Child Pornography Charges
Kenosha, Wis. — A 23-year-old Milwaukee man who led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase through western Kenosha County is being held on $75,000 cash bail as prosecutors weigh possible child pornography charges related to his relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Jose Luis Soto-Nunez appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on March 27 and faces six felony charges stemming from the March 26 incident, including fleeing police, multiple counts of recklessly endangering safety, and operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent. The teenager, who was riding in the back seat at the time of the chase, told the court the two were in a romantic relationship. According to a criminal complaint, Soto-Nunez was driving a stolen 1997 Honda Civic when he failed to stop for deputies and reached speeds of
New Christian School Opens in Kenosha With Free Tuition for Eligible Families
Kenosha, Wis. — A new private school offering free tuition for qualifying families has opened in Kenosha, thanks to a partnership between Shining Star Christian Schools and Heritage Baptist Church. The new campus is located inside Heritage Baptist Church at 2313 17th Ave., and enrollment is now open for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Pastor Curtis McMiller, who leads the church, said he’s excited to welcome families and provide children with access to a quality, faith-based education. “We’re blessed to be part of something that will make a real difference for our community,” McMiller said. Tuition is fully covered for families that qualify under the school’s voucher program, but the deadline to apply for free tuition in Kenosha is April 17. After that, families can still enroll, but a
Salem Man Gets Two-Year Sentence in Fond du Lac Despite High-Speed Chase, Firearm, and Drug Allegations
Kenosha, Wis. — A 24-year-old Salem man with a long history of criminal charges was sentenced to just two years in prison last month after pleading guilty to multiple felonies tied to a 2021 high-speed chase that endangered motorists and law enforcement in Fond du Lac County. Trenton Benjamin Kmiec, the son of local attorney and ousted politician, Theodore “Ted” Kmiec, appeared before Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker on Feb. 25, 2025. Walker accepted a plea deal negotiated by District Attorney Eric Toney—himself a failed candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General—that significantly reduced Kmiec’s potential prison exposure. Kmiec pleaded guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety, fleeing and eluding an officer, OWI and operating a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a
Deputy Suspended Over Retaliatory Traffic Stop After Middle Finger Incident
Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined a deputy who conducted a questionable traffic stop after a driver gave him the middle finger — a gesture protected by the First Amendment. Deputy Manuel Mandujano Jr. received a one-day unpaid suspension and mandatory constitutional policing training following an internal investigation into the February 1 incident, which gained traction online after video footage was posted to the “LackLuster” YouTube channel. The footage showed Mandujano initiating a stop on a DoorDash driver after the driver flipped him off while passing in the Village of Bristol. According to disciplinary records obtained by Kenosha County Eye through an open records request, Mandujano admitted the gesture angered him and that it influenced his decision to pull the driver over. He initially claimed the
New Christian School Opens in Kenosha With Free Tuition for Eligible Families
Kenosha, Wis. — A new private school offering free tuition for qualifying families has opened in Kenosha, thanks to a partnership between Shining Star Christian Schools and Heritage Baptist Church. The new campus is located inside Heritage Baptist Church at 2313 17th Ave., and enrollment is now open for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Pastor Curtis McMiller, who leads the church, said he’s excited to welcome families and provide children with access to a quality, faith-based education. “We’re blessed to be part of something that will make a real difference for our community,” McMiller said. Tuition is fully covered for families that qualify under the school’s voucher program, but the deadline to apply for free tuition in Kenosha is April 17. After that, families can still enroll, but a
Salem Man Gets Two-Year Sentence in Fond du Lac Despite High-Speed Chase, Firearm, and Drug Allegations
Kenosha, Wis. — A 24-year-old Salem man with a long history of criminal charges was sentenced to just two years in prison last month after pleading guilty to multiple felonies tied to a 2021 high-speed chase that endangered motorists and law enforcement in Fond du Lac County. Trenton Benjamin Kmiec, the son of local attorney and ousted politician, Theodore “Ted” Kmiec, appeared before Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker on Feb. 25, 2025. Walker accepted a plea deal negotiated by District Attorney Eric Toney—himself a failed candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General—that significantly reduced Kmiec’s potential prison exposure. Kmiec pleaded guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety, fleeing and eluding an officer, OWI and operating a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a
Deputy Suspended Over Retaliatory Traffic Stop After Middle Finger Incident
Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined a deputy who conducted a questionable traffic stop after a driver gave him the middle finger — a gesture protected by the First Amendment. Deputy Manuel Mandujano Jr. received a one-day unpaid suspension and mandatory constitutional policing training following an internal investigation into the February 1 incident, which gained traction online after video footage was posted to the “LackLuster” YouTube channel. The footage showed Mandujano initiating a stop on a DoorDash driver after the driver flipped him off while passing in the Village of Bristol. According to disciplinary records obtained by Kenosha County Eye through an open records request, Mandujano admitted the gesture angered him and that it influenced his decision to pull the driver over. He initially claimed the
Salem Elementary Teacher Arrested After Alleged THC-Fueled Disturbance at Home
Kenosha, Wis. — A preschool teacher at Salem Elementary School was arrested late Saturday night after authorities say she ingested THC edibles and began behaving violently inside her Salem Lakes home. Melissa E. Briggs, 42, was taken into custody by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department just after 11 p.m. Deputies responded to the 10000 block of 256th Avenue after her husband called 911, reporting that Briggs was experiencing a mental health crisis and pounding on a door inside the residence. Briggs had reportedly recently lost a close family member and was struggling emotionally in the days leading up to the incident. Deputies found probable cause to arrest Briggs on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting/obstructing a peace officer, both misdemeanors. She was transported to the Kenosha County Jail and booked
Body Cam Footage Contradicts Pastor’s Claim of Cooperation in Youth Minister Sex Crime Case
Kenosha, Wis. – Despite publicly claiming that Journey Church was cooperating with police, newly released body-worn camera footage obtained by Kenosha County Eye reveals that lead pastor Kevin Taylor declined to give a statement to investigators following the arrest of a fellow pastor now charged with 15 felonies involving intimate images of two women. Gabriel Mills, a former “Guest Experience Pastor” at Journey Church in Kenosha, was first arrested on September 30, 2024. According to a criminal complaint, Mills allegedly accessed another church member’s phone under the pretense of downloading an audiobook, then used AirDrop to transfer private, sexually explicit photos of the man’s wife to his own phone. Mills was charged with two felonies: capturing an intimate representation without consent. He was released on a $7,500 cash bond. Just
Dominick Black Violates Probation, Faces Arrest Warrant If He Fails To Return To Wisconsin
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has notified a Kenosha County judge that Dominick Black, a probationer best known for his connection to the Kyle Rittenhouse case, violated the terms of his probation and is being ordered back to Wisconsin. In a letter sent yesterday to Judge Angelina Gabriele, Probation and Parole Agent Kimberly Ruhle reported that Black failed a drug test, was kicked out of substance use programming, and missed a mandatory probation meeting. The violations stem from a sentence Judge Gabriele handed down just over two years ago, when Black pleaded guilty to fleeing police during what prosecutors described as a drug-induced crime spree. According to court records, the case began in May 2022 when officers attempted to stop Black for reckless driving in Kenosha County.
Illinois Man Faces 46 New Charges, Possible Life In Prison After Multi-Agency Highway Pursuit
Kenosha, Wis. — An Illinois man already out on bond for multiple pending felony cases in Kenosha County was charged Thursday with 46 new counts in connection to a daytime police chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions and ended on the interstate. John S. Miller, 56, of Zion, now faces a staggering range of charges including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, criminal damage to property, fleeing and eluding police, and 36 counts of felony bail jumping. Prosecutors say Miller put the public at serious risk in a high-speed incident that involved officers from the Kenosha Police Department, Pleasant Prairie Police Department, and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. At Thursday’s bond hearing, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis said Miller’s criminal record stretches back to 1999, including prior felony convictions in Maricopa County, Arizona,
County Executive Kerkman Announces Call For Nominations For Inaugural Kenosha County Veteran Of The Year Award
County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the establishment of a new award honoring outstanding veterans in Kenosha County. The Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award seeks to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service. This year’s award will be presented at Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic, to be held May 30 at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Nominations for the inaugural award are being accepted until 5 p.m. April 30 through an online form available at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/VeteranOfTheYear. Paper forms are also available by contacting the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690. “We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the remarkable veterans in our community,” Kerkman said. “I encourage anyone who knows an outstanding veteran to consider making a nomination.” The award winner
Kenosha Nurse Arrested for OWI After Son’s 911 Call, Claims Police Conspiracy
Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha nurse was arrested Friday evening for operating while intoxicated after her 9-year-old son called emergency services, saying he and his brother were home alone and hadn’t eaten. But what began as a routine OWI arrest has since spiraled into a bizarre string of conspiracy claims posted online by the woman at the center of the case. Police responded to the home around 7:30 p.m. on March 21 after the child reported that his mother, identified as 39-year-old Sarah N. Becker, hadn’t returned from work. When officers arrived, they found the two children had been left without adult supervision. Shortly afterward, Becker pulled into the driveway. According to police, when she entered the home, officers smelled intoxicants and noted that Becker was slurring her words. She
Leadership Kenosha Announces 2025 Graduation Celebration and Award Winner
Leadership Kenosha is excited to announce its 2025 Graduation Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Stella Hotel and Ballroom – 5706 8th Ave. Each year, the participating cohort is recognized for completing the program at a graduation ceremony. The 2024-2025 cohort is made up of 21 community leaders, representing 18 unique organizations.With much to celebrate, KACC invites all alumni and members to join in on recognizing them. They are: Sara Andersen — Aurora Health CareMolly Calderon — IndividualKaitlin Cochrane — UlineAaron Dillhoff — City of Kenosha Police DeptBryan Easter — Kenosha County Sheriff’s DepartmentStefanie Hansen — Kenosha Area Chamber CommerceDustin Heyden — Aurora Health CareAustin Hill — HerzingShane Hollerich — Payne & DolanAmanda Johnson — UW ParksideMatthew Karner — City of
Gateway President Ritu Raju Exiting Amid Internal Turmoil, Board Politics
Kenosha, Wis. — Gateway Technical College President and CEO Dr. Ritu Raju is departing the school after just over two years on the job. The news comes on the heels of her being named a finalist for the presidency at Minnesota’s SouthCentral College—but sources tell Kenosha County Eye that Raju’s exit was imminent, regardless of whether she is offered the new position. While Raju has cited personal reasons for the move, including the loss of her mother last year and a desire to be closer to her child and grandchild, multiple Gateway insiders allege she is being pushed out over poor leadership performance and a divisive administrative agenda. “Serving as Gateway’s president and CEO is an honor and a lot has been accomplished in the short time I’ve been here,”
Drag Performer and School Board Candidate Draws Community Scrutiny, Support Ahead of April Election
Kenosha, Wis. — Carl Bryan, a candidate for the Kenosha Unified School Board and an openly gay man, is facing criticism from some community members over his past performances as a drag queen under the name “Carlotta Cox.” Bryan has downplayed his experience in drag, stating that he performed once for charity. In a recent statement, he said, “Not sure who needs to hear this, but I literally did drag for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a CHILDREN’s charity. For kids with cancer and other illnesses. Not sure what’s extreme about that.” However, multiple images circulating on social media suggest that Bryan has performed in drag on several occasions. While Bryan has participated in reading programs for children, there are no confirmed instances of him doing so in drag. Bryan, who
Salem Elementary Teacher Arrested After Alleged THC-Fueled Disturbance at Home
Kenosha, Wis. — A preschool teacher at Salem Elementary School was arrested late Saturday night after authorities say she ingested THC edibles and began behaving
Body Cam Footage Contradicts Pastor’s Claim of Cooperation in Youth Minister Sex Crime Case
Kenosha, Wis. – Despite publicly claiming that Journey Church was cooperating with police, newly released body-worn camera footage obtained by Kenosha County Eye reveals that
Dominick Black Violates Probation, Faces Arrest Warrant If He Fails To Return To Wisconsin
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has notified a Kenosha County judge that Dominick Black, a probationer best known for his connection to
Illinois Man Faces 46 New Charges, Possible Life In Prison After Multi-Agency Highway Pursuit
Kenosha, Wis. — An Illinois man already out on bond for multiple pending felony cases in Kenosha County was charged Thursday with 46 new counts
County Executive Kerkman Announces Call For Nominations For Inaugural Kenosha County Veteran Of The Year Award
County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the establishment of a new award honoring outstanding veterans in Kenosha County. The Kenosha County Veteran of the Year
Kenosha Nurse Arrested for OWI After Son’s 911 Call, Claims Police Conspiracy
Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha nurse was arrested Friday evening for operating while intoxicated after her 9-year-old son called emergency services, saying he and his
Leadership Kenosha Announces 2025 Graduation Celebration and Award Winner
Leadership Kenosha is excited to announce its 2025 Graduation Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Stella
Gateway President Ritu Raju Exiting Amid Internal Turmoil, Board Politics
Kenosha, Wis. — Gateway Technical College President and CEO Dr. Ritu Raju is departing the school after just over two years on the job. The
Drag Performer and School Board Candidate Draws Community Scrutiny, Support Ahead of April Election
Kenosha, Wis. — Carl Bryan, a candidate for the Kenosha Unified School Board and an openly gay man, is facing criticism from some community members
Kerkman Elected President of Wisconsin County Executives and Administrators Association
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman was recently elected as the leader of a statewide organization of county officials. Kerkman will serve a two-year term as
Man Accused of Statewide Credit Card Skimming Scheme Faces 50 Felony Counts
Kenosha, Wis,— A 32-year-old Illinois man is facing 50 felony charges in Kenosha County related to an alleged credit card skimming operation that targeted victims
Kenosha Man Charged in Domestic Abuse Case, Bail Set at $75,000
Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he strangled, punched, and threatened to kill a woman
