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Racine Man Facing Up To 75 Years In Prison For Serious Sex Crimes Against Two Girls Gets $250,000 Cash Bail — Far Less Than $1 Million Requested By Kenosha DA; Three Felony Charges Dismissed

Kenosha Police Department – Mugshot Request and Will Be Posted(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Racine man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting two girls, threatening to sexually assault one victim’s mother and transmitting a sexually transmitted disease to one of his alleged victims is facing up to 75 years in prison after a contentious Friday afternoon court hearing. Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis personally appeared in court and reportedly requested $1 million cash bail. Liberal activist supplemental court commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry instead set bail at $250,000 cash, just one-quarter of the amount requested by the county’s top prosecutor. Defense attorney Seth Johnson successfully argued for the dismissal of three serious felony charges, and a courthouse insider who witnessed the hearing told Kenosha

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Self-Proclaimed “Bonnie To My Clyde” Savannah Burm Hit With Four New Criminal Charges Just One Day After Judge Iverson Releases Her On No-Cash Bail, Down From $75,000 Cash Bail

Savannah Lee Burm, 30, of Salem(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Just one day after Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson released Savannah Lee Burm, 30, of Salem, on no-cash bail after she had originally been held on $75,000 cash bail, prosecutors filed four additional criminal charges against her Thursday, October 15, 2026. Burm, who is already facing serious felony charges for allegedly purchasing a handgun for a convicted felon accused of attempting to murder two people, is now accused of repeatedly violating jail rules to secretly communicate with that same man, Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, while both were incarcerated. Kenosha County Eye has not confirmed whether Burm has reached any agreement to cooperate with prosecutors. However, in some criminal cases, a co-defendant’s sudden release

From Street Sweeper To Superintendent: Marco Seymour, 56, Climbs The Ranks To Lead Kenosha’s Streets Division

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 56-year-old Kenosha man who started working for the City of Kenosha in 2020 and worked his way through several positions, including street sweeper and heavy equipment operator, has been promoted to superintendent of the city’s Streets Division. Marco Seymour, 56, officially assumed his new leadership position on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, replacing longtime superintendent Rick Desotell, who retired. The promotion puts Seymour in charge of one of the city’s most visible and essential operations, responsible for maintaining Kenosha’s streets, clearing snow, responding to severe storms and handling a variety of infrastructure-related challenges. City officials announced the promotion Friday, recognizing Seymour’s dedication, leadership and commitment to public service. Seymour’s rise through the ranks gives him a unique perspective on the employees he now supervises. Since joining the

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Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Kenosha Couple’s $12,849 Brewers Raffle Case — Flynns Say Critical Evidence Remains Unanswered After Three-Year Legal Battle

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has rejected the final appeal of Matt and Annette Flynn, the Kenosha couple who spent more than three years fighting the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation over a $12,849 winning 50/50 raffle ticket that they were never allowed to cash. The state’s highest court denied the couple’s petition for review on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, without providing an explanation, bringing their lengthy legal battle to an end. However, the Flynns are not backing down from their position that critical evidence concerning the disputed raffle was never fully examined by a judge or jury. The couple has now provided Kenosha County Eye with additional documentation showing that they specifically requested information about when the winning number appeared on the Brewers’ website and sought additional surveillance

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Self-Proclaimed “Bonnie To My Clyde” Savannah Burm Hit With Four New Criminal Charges Just One Day After Judge Iverson Releases Her On No-Cash Bail, Down From $75,000 Cash Bail

Savannah Lee Burm, 30, of Salem(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Just one day after Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson released Savannah Lee Burm, 30, of Salem, on no-cash bail after she had originally been held on $75,000 cash bail, prosecutors filed four additional criminal charges against her Thursday, October 15, 2026. Burm, who is already facing serious felony charges for allegedly purchasing a handgun for a convicted felon accused of attempting to murder two people, is now accused of repeatedly violating jail rules to secretly communicate with that same man, Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, while both were incarcerated. Kenosha County Eye has not confirmed whether Burm has reached any agreement to cooperate with prosecutors. However, in some criminal cases, a co-defendant’s sudden release

From Street Sweeper To Superintendent: Marco Seymour, 56, Climbs The Ranks To Lead Kenosha’s Streets Division

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 56-year-old Kenosha man who started working for the City of Kenosha in 2020 and worked his way through several positions, including street sweeper and heavy equipment operator, has been promoted to superintendent of the city’s Streets Division. Marco Seymour, 56, officially assumed his new leadership position on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, replacing longtime superintendent Rick Desotell, who retired. The promotion puts Seymour in charge of one of the city’s most visible and essential operations, responsible for maintaining Kenosha’s streets, clearing snow, responding to severe storms and handling a variety of infrastructure-related challenges. City officials announced the promotion Friday, recognizing Seymour’s dedication, leadership and commitment to public service. Seymour’s rise through the ranks gives him a unique perspective on the employees he now supervises. Since joining the

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Kenosha Man, 24, Accused Of Strangling Girlfriend, Slamming Her Head Against Wall And Preventing Her From Leaving — Two Felonies Filed

Donaven Jordan Lovett, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges and two misdemeanors after police say he strangled his 19-year-old girlfriend, slapped her so hard that her head struck a wall, and repeatedly prevented her from leaving their residence. Donaven Jordan Lovett was charged Friday, October 16, 2026, with felony false imprisonment, felony strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery, and disorderly conduct, all with domestic abuse modifiers. Lovett was scheduled to make his initial appearance Friday afternoon before Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry. At the time of publication, no bail determination had been publicly reported. Kenosha County Eye has frequently criticized Henry’s bail decisions and believes a relatively lenient bail determination is possible, although no decision had been confirmed.

Early Voting Begins Tuesday In Kenosha County: Here’s Where To Vote, Hours, Deadlines And What You Need To Know Before Election Day

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Kenosha County residents who want to avoid the crowds and potential lines on Election Day will have an opportunity to cast their ballots early beginning Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Kenosha County Clerk Regi Waligora announced Friday that in-person absentee voting for the November 3 General Election will be available at municipal clerks’ offices throughout the county through Friday, October 30. Voters will have different hours and locations depending on where they live, and several municipalities are offering extended hours to accommodate residents who cannot vote during the traditional workday. “In-person absentee voting provides a convenient opportunity for people to cast their ballots early, avoiding possible lines on Election Day,” Waligora said. “Be sure to bring your photo ID. Our municipal clerks work hard to make this

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Baby Mouse Glued Alive To Grocery Store Product, Later Found Dead: Oak Creek Man, 28, Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty, Creepy Photo-Taking At Kenosha Woodman’s

Jacob Thomas Poffenberger, 28, of Oak Creek(facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 28-year-old Oak Creek man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after Kenosha police say he glued a live baby mouse to a carton of coconut milk inside Woodman’s Food Market, leaving the helpless animal stuck to the product until it eventually died. Jacob Thomas Poffenberger, 28, is also accused of engaging in creepy photo-taking behavior, spending hours inside the grocery store secretly photographing and recording female employees as they knelt to stock shelves, allegedly without their knowledge or consent. According to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday, October 14, 2026, surveillance cameras captured the disturbing incident during the early morning hours of March 13. Poffenberger faces one felony and two misdemeanor charges, with his initial court appearance scheduled for

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WANTED And On The Run For 17 Months: Kenosha Illegal Alien Accused Of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl Vanishes After Posting $150,000 Cash Bail — $300,000 Arrest Warrant Issued

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha business owner accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, recording some of the assaults, and admitting to investigators that he had sexual intercourse with the child on multiple occasions has been wanted by authorities for more than 17 months after posting $150,000 cash bail and disappearing. Erick O. Mejia-Cruz, the owner of Automotive Stylist on 52nd Street in Kenosha, is described by a woman familiar with his background as an illegal alien. His immigration status has not been independently verified. Mejia-Cruz has been wanted since May 12, 2025, when Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Milisauskas issued a bench warrant carrying $300,000 cash bail. The court also ordered his previously posted $150,000 cash bail forfeited. As of October 15, 2026, his criminal case

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Pleasant Prairie Man, 66, Charged With Felony Terrorist Threats, Resisting Police, Disorderly Conduct – Released On No-Cash Bail

Christopher M. Winkowski, 66, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 66-year-old Pleasant Prairie man accused of threatening to burn down his neighbors’ homes following repeated complaints about loud music was released on no-cash bail Thursday, October 15, 2026, by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Miles Hartley. Christopher M. Winkowski, 66, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Liberal Kenosha Judge Refuses To Sign Arrest Warrant For Illinois Man Accused Of $127,000 Theft; Victim Requests Cash Bail, Commissioner Releases Him On No-Cash Bail

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 63-year-old Illinois man accused of helping steal more than $127,000 worth of merchandise from a Pleasant Prairie warehouse avoided an arrest warrant Thursday after Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier, described by critics as a liberal judge, declined to sign one. Miguel Rojas-Lopez, 63, of Waukegan, Illinois, subsequently appeared before Court Commissioner Miles Hartley, who released him on no-cash bail despite the alleged victim specifically requesting cash bail. The unusual sequence of events also raised questions about apparent changes to the public court record and how the defendant’s initial appearance was arranged. Rojas-Lopez was charged Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with one count of felony theft of movable property valued at more than $100,000, a Class F felony. Prosecutors allege he worked with another man,

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Kenosha Woman With Violent Criminal History, Including Child Abuse And Domestic Violence Convictions, Charged With New Felony — Released On No-Cash Bail

Elizabeth C. Pofahl, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman with a history of violent felony convictions, including child abuse, recklessly endangering safety and domestic battery, was granted no-cash bail Thursday afternoon after prosecutors charged her with another domestic violence offense. Elizabeth C. Pofahl, 35, of Kenosha, appeared in custody before Court Commissioner Miles Hartley on October 15, 2026, where she was charged with disorderly conduct involving domestic abuse, with habitual criminal and domestic abuse repeater enhancements. Although disorderly conduct is ordinarily a misdemeanor, the repeater enhancements elevate the offense to a felony. Pofahl faces up to six years and three months in prison if convicted and the maximum applicable enhancements are imposed. Elizabeth C. Pofahl, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

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Third-Time Drunk Driver Who Urinated On Himself, Crashed Into Car At Kenosha Wendy’s Sentenced To Six Months In Jail, Six Months Work Release

David Santos Rodriguez, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Aurora, Illinois, man who was arrested twice for drunk driving in Kenosha in 2024, including once while free on cash bail for an earlier drunk driving arrest, was sentenced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David O. Hughes. David Santos Rodriguez pleaded guilty to second- and third-offense operating while intoxicated charges stemming from two separate incidents. Hughes sentenced Rodriguez to 68 days in jail for his second OWI, which was satisfied by time already served, and 360 days in jail for his third OWI, with eligibility for work release and work crew after serving 180 days. Rodriguez was immediately taken into custody. David Santos Rodriguez, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You

Five Illinois Men Charged In $310,000 Twin Lakes Pokémon Card Burglary; Separate Fraud Investigation Leads To Additional Charges

TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Five Illinois men have been charged with six crimes each in connection with the August 10 burglary of Goldenrod City Collectibles in downtown Twin Lakes, where thieves allegedly stole more than $310,000 worth of Pokémon cards and other merchandise. One of the defendants, a 45-year-old Chicago man, remains in custody on $50,000 cash bail after Judge Angelina Gabriele authorized a $500,000 arrest warrant. A separate investigation into fraudulent purchases at the same business has resulted in additional criminal charges, including a felony against Allen K. Jones, 31, of Chicago. Kenosha County Eye has obtained the identities of additional suspects through criminal court records but is withholding certain names at the request of investigators because of ongoing investigative and law enforcement safety concerns. Additional identities may be

Gridiron Girls Make History: Tremper Trojans Punch Ticket To Wisconsin’s First-Ever Girls Flag Football State Tournament

KENOSHA, Wis. – The girls of Tremper High School are making history on the football field, and they’re not finished yet. In their very first season of girls flag football, the Tremper Trojans have earned a trip to Wisconsin’s inaugural girls flag football state tournament, scheduled for November 7 in Green Bay. The remarkable achievement marks a major milestone for the Kenosha school and a new chapter for girls athletics in Wisconsin. The historic accomplishment comes after a successful inaugural season that saw nearly 40 girls show up for tryouts, determined to build something special. What started as a brand-new athletic opportunity at Tremper has quickly developed into a history-making program, with the Trojans now preparing to compete against teams from across Wisconsin. The players have demonstrated that determination, teamwork

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Kenosha Man, 54, Arrested After Hours-Long SWAT Standoff, Allegedly Threatening To Shoot Family Members And Police Officers

Philip John Mianecki, 54, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene Tape (File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 54-year-old Kenosha man was arrested early Thursday morning, October 15, 2026, following an hours-long standoff with Kenosha Police SWAT officers after allegedly pointing a firearm at family members and threatening to shoot them and responding police officers. Philip John Mianecki, 54, of Kenosha, was booked into the Kenosha County Jail at 2:02 a.m. Thursday on seven suspected criminal offenses, including three felonies. Police deployed an armored vehicle, surveillance drones, and a flashbang distraction device before taking the suspect into custody. No injuries were reported. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Smoke And Mirrors: Six-Time Drunk Driver’s Praise Of Liberal Kenosha Judge Jason Rossell Raises Questions About His Sentencing Practices

Skye Michael Siler, 52, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A six-time convicted drunk driver with a lengthy criminal history has publicly praised liberal Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jason Rossell for giving him a two-year prison sentence. But court and correctional records reveal a much different picture than the punishment announced in the courtroom. Rossell made the habitual drunk driver eligible for a program that allowed him to leave prison early, and less than 11 months after sentencing, the offender was released on extended supervision. The case raises broader questions about sentencing practices that can make prison terms appear tougher than the punishment ultimately served. Skye Michael Siler, now- 52, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Skye Michael Siler, 52, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

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Fourth-Time Drunk Driver Who Crashed Motorcycle, Begged Witness Not To Call 911 Sentenced To Six Months In Jail, Six Months Work Release, 2½ Years Probation

Joseph M. Freitag, 46, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Trevor man convicted of his fourth drunk-driving offense was sentenced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to six months in the Kenosha County Jail followed by six months of work release after crashing his motorcycle in the Town of Wheatland and asking a passing motorist not to call 911. Joseph M. Freitag appeared before Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David O. Hughes, who withheld a prison sentence and instead ordered jail time as a condition of 2½ years of probation. Freitag was also ordered to pay $7,249 in fines, fees and surcharges. This is more than Assistant District Attorney Robert Pelegrin requested. Joseph M. Freitag, 46, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view

Exclusive Interview: Kenosha’s Next City Administrator Patrick Patton Says Mayor Bogdala’s Vision Convinced Him To Take Job

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, 43, who became the city’s youngest police chief in 2023, is now poised to become Kenosha’s youngest city administrator. In an exclusive interview with Kenosha County Eye Wednesday evening, Patton discussed his decision to accept Mayor David Bogdala’s appointment, his strong belief in the mayor’s vision for Kenosha, and his plans to bring the leadership philosophy that helped modernize the police department to the rest of city government. Patton also revealed why he believes the department is prepared to continue without him and praised Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal, who has already assumed responsibility as acting police chief and agreed to postpone his retirement to ensure a smooth transition. Patton’s appointment was announced Wednesday, October 14, following a competitive selection process involving external

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Kenosha Man, 41, Charged With Sixth OWI After Crash, Allegedly Kicks Police Officer, Yells Racial Slurs: $15,000 Cash Bail Set

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man with five previous drunk driving convictions is facing three new criminal charges after police say he crashed a vehicle, fled the scene, hid from officers, kicked a Kenosha police officer and repeatedly shouted racial and homophobic slurs at police and hospital staff. Steven J. Levendoski, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Monday, October 12, with felony sixth-offense operating while intoxicated, felony battery to a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor resisting an officer, all with repeat-offender enhancements. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set a $15,000 cash bail during Levendoski’s initial appearance Monday afternoon.

City Of Kenosha Agrees To $450,000 Settlement With Fired Cop’s Sexual Assault Accuser, 2025 Drunk Driving Suspect Who Threatened Police

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha and former Kenosha Police Officer Joshua T. Sylvester have agreed to a $450,000 settlement with Alessandra Dashawn Doby, a Kenosha woman who accused Sylvester of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated and in police custody in August 2022. The settlement ends a federal civil-rights lawsuit filed by Doby, whose attorney, Keenan J. Saulter, previously attempted unsuccessfully to restrict Kenosha County Eye’s reporting about his client. Since making the allegations against Sylvester, Doby has also been arrested in a separate drunk-driving case involving a crash with a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department jail transport van. Newly reviewed police body-camera transcripts from that arrest document Doby repeatedly berating officers, using racially charged language, threatening violence, and telling officers to kill themselves. The $450,000 settlement was

Kenosha Father Found Guilty Of Two Felony Child Abuse Charges Following Three-Day Jury Trial

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha father was found guilty Wednesday, October 14, 2026, of two felony counts of recklessly causing bodily harm to a child following a three-day jury trial in Kenosha County Circuit Court. The unanimous verdict was returned at approximately 1:35 p.m. before Judge Jodi L. Meier. Assistant District Attorney Vincent “Vince” Kurta prosecuted the case, while private defense attorney Mackenzie S. Renner represented the defendant. The judge allowed the man to remain free on his previously posted $1,000 cash bail pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 5. Kenosha County Eye is withholding the defendant’s identity at this time out of consideration for circumstances unrelated to the trial. Although his identity is a matter of public record, we have agreed to temporarily withhold his name. We

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Wisconsin Man With History Of Domestic Violence Accused Of Punching Fiancée In Mouth While Out On Bail For Allegedly Abusing Same Woman — Four Felony Charges Filed

Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, 38, of Kenosha(facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 38-year-old Wilton, Wisconsin, man with a history of domestic violence convictions is facing four felony charges after prosecutors say he punched his fiancée in the mouth while driving through Kenosha, despite being out on bail in another felony domestic abuse case involving the same woman. Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, who is currently in custody, allegedly attacked the woman after she experienced a panic attack during a movie. Prosecutors say Lavenduskey was already under a court order prohibiting him from contacting the woman following an earlier domestic abuse case in Monroe County. He was charged Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with felony battery, felony disorderly conduct and two counts of felony bail jumping, all with repeat-offender enhancements. Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, 38, of Kenosha(facebook.com)

Kenosha Announces New $10,000 Grant Program For 52nd Street Businesses, Reminds Uptown Businesses Of Available Funding

KENOSHA, Wis. — Business and property owners along one of Kenosha’s busiest commercial corridors now have an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to improve their buildings. The City of Kenosha announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that applications are officially open for the new 52nd Street Corridor Grant Program, an initiative designed to encourage private investment, improve commercial properties and strengthen economic activity along 52nd Street. The program, funded by the Kenosha Redevelopment Authority, is available to eligible business and property owners along 52nd Street between 38th Avenue and 13th Place. Qualified applicants can receive grants of up to $10,000 for eligible improvements, provided they contribute an equal amount of their own money. For example, a business owner undertaking a $20,000 qualifying improvement project could potentially receive

Highway W To Close In Downtown Wilmot This Weekend For Major Construction Project

WILMOT, Wis. — Motorists traveling through downtown Wilmot this weekend will need to find alternate routes as Kenosha County prepares for a full closure of Highway W beginning Friday night, October 16, 2026, and continuing through early Monday morning, October 19. According to an October 13 construction update from Kenosha County, Highway W will be completely closed between Highway C west (114th Street) and Highway C east (113th Street), beginning at 10 p.m. Friday. The roadway is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, following approximately 56 hours of closure. The temporary shutdown is part of the ongoing Highway W Improvement Project, which involves resurfacing the roadway from Wilmot south to the Illinois state line. Construction began in April 2026 and is expected to continue through late fall. During the

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Body-Slamming Ex-Girlfriend To Ground In Front Of Her Child, Fighting Armed Neighbor Who Came To Her Rescue — $1,300 Cash Bail

Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing four criminal charges after prosecutors say he violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, threw her to the ground in front of her child, and fought with an armed neighbor who intervened after hearing the woman screaming for help. Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha, appeared Wednesday, October 14, 2026, before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum, who continued Norman’s previously posted $1,300 cash bail. Norman is charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery and two counts of disorderly conduct, with domestic abuse enhancers attached to two of the charges. Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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AI Disclosure: Kenosha County Eye may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with spelling, grammar, sentence structure, formatting, and other editorial functions. Reporting, editorial decisions, fact-checking, and published content remain under human oversight.

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