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Is Kenosha Being Quietly Pushed Toward An Illinois-Style No-Cash Bail System? : Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — In February 2021, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that eventually led to Illinois becoming the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a condition of release in criminal cases. Supporters argued it would create a fairer system by focusing on whether someone poses a danger rather than whether they can afford to pay money. Critics argued it would make it easier for dangerous people to avoid detention and could put public safety at risk. If you are reading this, ask yourself a simple question: Do you want that to happen in Kenosha County? Based on what I have seen, what I have reported and what courthouse sources have told Kenosha County Eye, I

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Man Charged Today With Fleeing Police and Recklessly Endangering Safety, But Judge Refuses to Sign Warrant Under New Courthouse Policy

Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man was charged today with felony fleeing and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, but despite the serious allegations, Judge Jason Rossell declined to sign an arrest warrant, leaving the defendant not currently wanted by police. The decision comes amid what courthouse sources have described as new policies enacted by Deputy Chief Judge Chad Kerkman that have resulted in far fewer warrants being signed. Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jason Rossell (R)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Emergency Repairs Shut Down Busy Stretch of 24th Street Through May 23

KENOSHA, Wis. — Drivers traveling through a busy stretch of Kenosha’s east side will see changing traffic patterns after city officials announced an update to an emergency road closure that had disrupted travel near Sheridan Road. The City of Kenosha previously closed 24th Street between 14th Avenue and Sheridan Road for emergency infrastructure repairs. However, officials now say the roadway has reopened to traffic ahead of schedule. The reopening will be temporary. According to an updated notice from city officials, the area is scheduled to close again on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, as crews conduct track replacement work in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow additional travel time while the work is underway. The temporary reopening and additional closure schedule means drivers

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Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun Lets Father Charged in Deaths of Three Children Walk Out of Court Without Paying a Penny

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father charged in connection with the Thanksgiving-night fire that killed his three children walked out of court Wednesday without paying a penny after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun ordered no-cash bail, allowing him to leave the courthouse despite District Attorney Xavier Solis requesting $500,000 cash bail and despite Braun later stating on the record that she found a reasonable basis that bail was necessary to ensure future appearances, reduce risk of harm, and avoid possible witness intimidation. Joshua P. Kannin, 39, appeared Wednesday for his initial appearance after prosecutors charged him with three felony counts of child neglect causing death in the deaths of Rylee Levi Kannin, 10, Connor Liam Kannin, 9, and Alena Ellen Kannin, 7, who died in the

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Man Charged Today With Fleeing Police and Recklessly Endangering Safety, But Judge Refuses to Sign Warrant Under New Courthouse Policy

Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man was charged today with felony fleeing and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, but despite the serious allegations, Judge Jason Rossell declined to sign an arrest warrant, leaving the defendant not currently wanted by police. The decision comes amid what courthouse sources have described as new policies enacted by Deputy Chief Judge Chad Kerkman that have resulted in far fewer warrants being signed. Thomas P. Leber, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jason Rossell (R)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Emergency Repairs Shut Down Busy Stretch of 24th Street Through May 23

KENOSHA, Wis. — Drivers traveling through a busy stretch of Kenosha’s east side will see changing traffic patterns after city officials announced an update to an emergency road closure that had disrupted travel near Sheridan Road. The City of Kenosha previously closed 24th Street between 14th Avenue and Sheridan Road for emergency infrastructure repairs. However, officials now say the roadway has reopened to traffic ahead of schedule. The reopening will be temporary. According to an updated notice from city officials, the area is scheduled to close again on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, as crews conduct track replacement work in the area. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow additional travel time while the work is underway. The temporary reopening and additional closure schedule means drivers

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Man Accused of Pulling Knife After Violent Crash Found Competent to Stand Trial After Months-Long Suspension

Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Racine man accused of pulling a knife after a violent crash scene and triggering a chaotic confrontation with firefighters and deputies was found competent to stand trial Wednesday, allowing the criminal case against him to move forward again after being suspended for months. Alexander R. Bohm, 40, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Bail Jumping Charge Added After Kenosha Man Accused of Dragging Woman by Hair

Marquel Reed, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man remained in custody Wednesday after being accused of dragging a woman by her hair during a domestic violence incident and then violating conditions of an existing court case. During his initial appearance Wednesday before Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun, prosecutors requested a $3,500 cash bond and the court imposed the full amount sought by the State. Marquel Reed, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Domestic Disturbance, Alleged Death Threats Lead to No-Cash Bail Set by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun

Shaun D.A. Jackson, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of threatening multiple people and allegedly telling one person he was “coming back to kill everybody” was released Wednesday after Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low Bail” Braun set a no-cash bail during his initial appearance. Prosecutors had requested a $500 cash bail, while the defense requested a no-cash bail, and Braun ultimately ordered a no-cash bail with conditions. Shaun D.A. Jackson, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Drug Operation in Trevor Leads to Four Arrests; Detectives Say Investigation Tied to Stolen Mail, Fraud and Narcotics

Updated on May 20, 2026 at 3:06 p.m. TREVOR, Wis. — A large law-enforcement presence in Trevor on Tuesday, including Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (K-DOG), drew attention from area residents and prompted numerous questions about the activity in the area. Authorities have now confirmed the operation was tied to a lengthy investigation involving allegations of stolen mail, financial fraud, narcotics activity and burglary-related offenses. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office said investigators executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 11400 block of Antioch Road in Trevor after approximately six weeks of investigation. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies initially began investigating fraud complaints linked to stolen mail. Detectives later determined personal and business checks were allegedly being taken from

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman Seems To Be Revamping Effort To Jail Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson

KENOSHA, Wis. — If someone told you that a journalist was writing stories critical of a judge, exposing embarrassing information about that judge, and then found himself the subject of multiple law-enforcement complaints apparently aimed at having him criminally prosecuted and jailed, you might assume the story was unfolding in a third-world country under a dictatorship — not in the United States. But according to records reviewed by Kenosha County Eye, that controversy is playing out right here in Kenosha County. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman (D) first reported Kenosha County Eye editor Kevin Mathewson to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 12, 2025, classifying Mathewson’s critical reporting on him as “threats,” according to law-enforcement records reviewed by Kenosha County Eye. Despite the serious classification, the Sheriff’s

Salem Lakes Democrats Begin Push For Airbnb Restrictions, Unanimously Approve Ordinance Effort

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Salem Lakes officials unanimously voted Tuesday night to begin pursuing what could become broad new restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental properties, directing Village Attorney Remzy Bitar — whose legal services bill the village at hundreds of dollars per hour — to begin developing options and possible ordinance language that could ultimately impose additional fees, permitting requirements and regulations beyond what Wisconsin already requires. The village board, which following the recent election now consists of one conservative member and a liberal majority, approved the measure unanimously after an extended discussion focused on complaints involving short-term rentals, neighborhood impacts, safety concerns and possible revenue opportunities. Village President Rita Bucur (D) strongly supported moving forward and repeatedly emphasized that she believes action needs to be taken before

Meet The Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Released On Only $5,000 Bail After Italian American Club Allegations — And The Club President Who Won’t Explain Why He Was Hired

KENOSHA, Wis. — A lifetime registered sex offender with multiple felony convictions was released from the Kenosha County Jail after posting only $5,000 cash bail following allegations that he masturbated in front of two young girls while working at the Italian American Club — and the club’s president, Martin “Marty” Pitts, has yet to address the public or explain why a man with such an extensive criminal history was hired. Robert W. Moses, 55, of Kenosha, was charged Monday with exposing genitals to a child, lewd and lascivious behavior and disorderly conduct after Kenosha police say he exposed himself and masturbated while looking at two young girls during a Saturday event at the Italian American Club, 2217 52nd St. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Norkus requested $5,000 cash bail Monday, an

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Fire Chief Says Trust “All But Diminished” Before Assistant Chief Resigns Instead of Facing Termination

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Keske(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Former Salem Lakes Assistant Fire Chief Michael Keske resigned from the Salem Lakes Fire Rescue Department after Fire Chief Al Carr concluded that his trust in Keske had “all but diminished” and indicated he was considering formal charges that could have led to his removal from the department. Fire Chief Al Car and Assistant Fire Chief Mike Keske(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Battery Case Revives Questions After Former Dispatcher Brittney Smith Returns to Court System

Brittney M. Smith, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Former Kenosha-area dispatcher Brittney M. Smith, whose prior domestic violence case and internal workplace controversy generated significant attention years ago, was back in the criminal justice system Tuesday after being charged in a new felony case alleging she shoved a 69-year-old woman to the ground inside a Walgreens. Court records show Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry set a $250 cash bond despite prosecutors seeking $1,000 cash bail. Defense attorney Benjamin Schwarz requested either $250 cash bail or no-cash bail, and Henry adopted the defense’s requested amount. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 4. Brittney M. Smith, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson,

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Felony Hit-And-Run Defendant Released on No-Cash Bail as Aileen Henry Continues Day of Low-Bail Decisions

Kyla J. McCoy, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of striking a scooter rider, leaving the scene and driving on a suspended license was released Tuesday on no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen Henry after prosecutors sought cash bail. Henry’s decision came during a day in which numerous defendants were released on no-cash bail, continuing a pattern that drew attention inside the courthouse from attorneys, observers and court-watchers following the proceedings. Kyla J. McCoy, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry Orders No-Cash Bail, Refund For Kenosha Man Charged In Bloody Domestic Abuse Case

KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday ordered no-cash bail for Isaac Ruiz-Hernandez, a 28-year-old Kenosha man charged in a domestic abuse case, and ordered the $650 he had already posted refunded to him after prosecutors asked that the cash bail remain in place. The decision came in another case raising concern among courtroom observers and the public about defendants accused of violence being released without having to post any money before trial. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Henry Slashes $7,500 Warrant to No-Cash Bail for Illinois Man Charged in Felony Domestic Abuse Strangulation Case

Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday slashed a previously issued $7,500 warrant down to no-cash bail for Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill., allowing him to walk free after he had been arrested Monday on the warrant in a felony domestic abuse case involving allegations that he strangled a woman and prevented her from contacting police. Henry also allowed contact with the alleged victim after the victim addressed the court and requested continued contact with Taylor. Timothy D. Taylor, 24, of North Chicago, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view

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KUSD Says Mercilie Toney Returned to Work After Allegations Involving Her Own Child Were Found Unsubstantiated

Mercilie Toney – Assistant Principal, Indian Trail High School and Academy KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss says Assistant Principal Mercilie Toney previously returned to work after allegations involving student-record matters — including allegations involving her own child — were investigated and determined to be unsubstantiated. Mercilie Toney – Assistant Principal, Indian Trail High School and Academy You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Aileen Henry Cuts Felony Retail Theft Defendant Loose on No-Cash Bail, Undercutting Even Defense Request

Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, 41, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday took the unusual step of setting bail below both the prosecution and defense positions in a felony retail theft case — something courtroom observers rarely see. Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, a 41-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man arrested Monday on a previously issued $5,000 cash warrant, appeared before the court facing a State request for $5,000 cash bail and even a defense request for $500 cash bail. Henry vacated the warrant and ordered no-cash bail. Henry has also applied for the full-time court commissioner position that became available following William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II’s departure from that role, and critics have questioned whether a commissioner who also maintains a substantial public defender

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Multiple Felon and Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Accused of Masturbating in Front of Young Girls at Italian American Club Held on $5,000 Cash Bail

Robert W. Moses, 55, of 5619 16th Ave Upper in Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Robert W. Moses, 55, of Kenosha, was charged by prosecutors today with masturbating in front of two young girls at the Italian American Club after prior convictions involving children and sexual offenses. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun granted the request and set bail at $5,000 cash. Meanwhile, Italian American Club President and former KUSD administrator Martin “Marty” Pitts had “no comment” when asked by Kenosha County Eye why the organization hired Moses despite his criminal history and lifetime sex offender registry status. Robert W. Moses Robert W. Moses Martin “Marty” Pitts – President IA and Alderman Anthony Kennedy (D) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

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Kenosha Man Charged After Bullet Fired Into Home Nearly Hit Mother and Child, Complaint Says

Crime Scene Tape(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sean A. Braun, 17, of Kenosha, is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he participated in a retaliatory shooting that sent a bullet through the back door of a Kenosha home while a mother and her 12-year-old daughter were inside. Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Braun, appeared Monday before Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, who set a $20,000 cash bond after prosecutors argued Braun posed a serious danger to the community. According to court records, Braun remains in custody and is prohibited from contacting numerous alleged victims and witnesses. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27 before Tracey Braun. You must be logged in to view the

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Career Violent Criminal Who Escaped Kenosha Correctional Center Hit With $150,000 Cash Bail After Eight Days On The Run

Jonathan M. Taylor, 31(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man described by prosecutors as a repeat violent offender was ordered held on a $150,000 cash bond Monday after authorities say he escaped from the Kenosha Correctional Center and remained on the run for more than a week before federal agents and local law enforcement tracked him down in Racine. Jonathan M. Taylor Jonathan M. Taylor Kenosha Correctional Center(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Felony Child Abuse Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Violent Family Brawl; Co-Defendant Adrian Gonzalez Also Charged

Hadeiya J. Williams, 22, and Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun set a $500 cash bail Monday for 22-year-old Hadeiya J. Williams after prosecutors accused her of kicking a child during a chaotic overnight family fight inside a Kenosha home that allegedly involved multiple assaults, hair-pulling, punches, and overturned furniture. Williams’ boyfriend, 23-year-old Adrian M. Gonzalez, was also charged Monday in connection with the same disturbance after police say he punched his stepfather in the face during the altercation. Hadeiya J. Williams Adrian M. Gonzalez You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Fired Racine Officer Avoids Felony Convictions in $16,000 Theft Case After Deal With DA Solis

Updated May 18, 2026 at 9:37 p.m. RACINE, Wis. – Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement for former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, allowing the fired officer to likely avoid a felony conviction and permanent criminal record despite allegations that he fraudulently collected more than $16,000 in taxpayer money. Fenderson, a former school resource officer at Park High School, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft by false representation greater than $10,000 and one count of misconduct in public office before Racine County Judge Faye Flancher. However, rather than entering felony convictions, the court approved a one-year hold-open agreement negotiated by Solis. If Fenderson successfully completes the agreement and pays full restitution, the felony charges will be reduced and he will instead

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Somers Man Accused of Threatening Suicide With Gun Despite Felony Conviction Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Ervin T. Hoffman, 45, of Somers(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Somers man accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun as a convicted felon after allegedly threatening to kill himself during a drunken domestic disturbance was given a $1,000 cash bond Monday by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking $10,000 cash bail. Ervin T. Hoffman, 45, of Somers(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Choking Girlfriend, Smashing Windows and Door During Domestic Violence Incident

Juan M. Izaguirre, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 26-year-old Kenosha man is accused of choking his longtime girlfriend during a domestic violence incident and later returning to the family home days later to smash windows and a back door before hiding from police, according to newly filed criminal charges. Juan M. Izaguirre, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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