County Board Member Resigns Amid Ethics Scandal

Copied!
Kenosha County Board Member David Celebre (District 5)

Kenosha County Board member David Celebre (D) resigned his position as 5th District supervisor last Wednesday, December 22, 2021. He got caught in a financial ethics scandal. He has been on the County’s payroll for at least 3 years, and not just as an elected member of the board. This year alone, he has been paid almost $31,000 according to county records obtained by KCE through public records requests. As a board member since 2018, he authorizes these payments, thus effectively writing checks to himself from the county taxpayers. This is considered a clear cut violation of the county’s ethics code. Section 20.04-1(4)a of the county’s code deals with such a conflict. Two other sitting County Board members and at least one former member have refused to participate in the advocate counsel program, citing this conflict. An opinion was issued from the Wisconsin Department of Justice that warned an elected official not to serve as an elected member of the board and get paid by the county simultaneously. Celebre, however, was happy to take the money. On his letter of resignation, he says that the defendants that he represents as their lawyer, pay the money back to the county. He is being untruthful. Some do, and some don’t. In some cases, when a defendant is found not guilty, or is indigent, the County eats the cost.

Paid Advertisement
Court Clerk Rebecca Matoska-Mentink (D) and County Clerk Regi Bachochin (D)

Tipped Off?

Paid Advertisement

KCE was alerted to this conflict from a whistle-blower in Kenosha’s legal community. We asked County Clerk Regi Bachochin (D) for Celebre’s financial forms on December 20, 2021. We asked for the financial records of payments made to Celebre on December 21, 2021 from Circuit Court Clerk Rebecca Matoska-Mentink (D). The very next day, on December 22, 2021, Celebre resigned from the board in a written letter to the county board via the clerk, but the clerk never forwarded this letter of resignation to the board members. Celebre had initially told colleagues he would finish his term and not run again – it wasn’t until KCE started asking questions, that he resigned effective immediately. It is unknown which elected official tipped off Celebre, the Circuit Court Clerk or County Clerk, but the timing is extremely curious to those of us that don’t believe in coincidences.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County Attorney Joe Cardamone (D) Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser (D)

Turning A Blind Eye?

Paid Advertisement

According to Celebre’s Statement of Financial Interest and Financial Disclosure form that all elected officials are required to fill out annually, he wrote “I am occasionally appointed by a court to represent a party to a case.” The term occasionally here is an obviously misleading term. Celebre accepted about 50 such assignments in the last three years alone.

Paid Advertisement

Many powerful officials in Kenosha turned a blind eye to this. Matoska, whose office is responsible for paying Celebre, knew of this conflict. The County’s legal department, headed by Attorney Joe Cardamone explicitly knew about the conflict. The County Executive Jim Kreuser (D) knew of this conflict. It wasn’t until KCE was alerted that anyone seemed to care. Some in the community speculate that it has to do with how Celebre voted. Celebre was a mostly non-verbal member of the board who voted with the County administration more than 90% of the time.

Kenosha small business owner Brian Thomas has submitted his paperwork to run for the open seat.

Paid Advertisement

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

GTC President Authorized Mass Employee Payouts Weeks Before Stepping Down

Ritu Raju (D) – President, Gateway Technical College KENOSHA, Wis. – Just weeks before her planned departure, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Ritu Raju authorized a large-scale payout to all regular employees—an expenditure some estimated could cost taxpayers between $1 million and $2 million. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Placed on Leave Again After Second Domestic Incident

Emil J. Ortiz, 41, of Somers, WI(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy who was previously arrested in April for an alleged drunken domestic assault is once again on leave after a second domestic disturbance was reported at his home in Somers. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

MORE TOP STORIES

Extra Prosecutors, Tax Cuts, and Dunes Protection: What Kenosha Gets in the New State Budget

MADISON, Wis. – The recently signed 2025–27 Wisconsin state budget includes several key wins for Kenosha County—ranging from added muscle in the District Attorney’s Office to millions in environmental preservation and taxpayer relief. State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) touted the package as a hard-fought, Republican-led effort that delivers tax

Plus +

Man Faces New Felony Charges Including Possession of Child Pornography, Escape

Jeremy D. Walker, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Kenosha man with a prior felony conviction is facing four new criminal charges after authorities allege he fled from police during a probation check and was later found in possession of child pornography. You must be logged

Plus +

Man Charged with Possessing Image of Naked Child; $10,000 Bail Set

Thomas P. Moffat, 62, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff) SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A 62-year-old Salem Lakes man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he possessed a sexually explicit image of a naked child on his cell phone. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Steil Votes for Bill to Cut Taxes, Strengthen Border, and Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) cast a key vote this week in favor of H.R. 1, sweeping legislation aimed at reducing costs for families, delivering tax relief to seniors, and bolstering border security. The bill, which passed both chambers of Congress, now heads to President Trump for signature.

Categories
Archives
Authors

5 Responses

  1. yall just have too much stupid and way too much corruption in one county. imagine that! all dumbocrats- with that D next to their names- all of them. what sleazy pieces of Do-Do.
    Thank the Lord for you Kevin, you are exposing their unlawful ways of conducting themselves.
    what is next for kenosha county? is there more stank that needs to be exposed? wow- it makes me question the sanity of the folks who vote these creeps in to office- that is disturbing.
    I got my sweat shirt in the mail i ordered for my son- but it is so snuggly imma gonna keep it for myself!
    I hope you are all well & 2022 is a better year for us all!

  2. Just another fact that the democrats only care about themselves and their pockets. Democrats are literally ruining this city, and this country

  3. Enough with the corruption in any political office! Any other Attorneys on the Board? How is it the approx $5,000 of taxpayer dollars are donated to the Democratic Labor Day event??? Why isn’t the same amount donated to the Republicans? Seems pretty biased in favor of the democrats.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

GTC President Authorized Mass Employee Payouts Weeks Before Stepping Down

Ritu Raju (D) – President, Gateway Technical College KENOSHA, Wis. – Just weeks before her planned departure, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Ritu Raju authorized a large-scale payout to all regular employees—an expenditure some estimated could cost taxpayers between $1 million and $2 million. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Placed on Leave Again After Second Domestic Incident

Emil J. Ortiz, 41, of Somers, WI(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy who was previously arrested in April for an alleged drunken domestic assault is once again on leave after a second domestic disturbance was reported at his home in Somers. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Salem Lakes Administrator Leaving Amid Scandals—Board Still Signals Support for Contract Renewal

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Cassandra Hiller, the embattled Village Administrator of Salem Lakes, is preparing to leave her position after a tenure filled with controversy, public backlash, and strained government relations. But in a move that has left many residents baffled, Village officials—including President Rita Bucur—reportedly knew she was planning to depart and still expressed support for renewing her contract. Hiller has not

Extra Prosecutors, Tax Cuts, and Dunes Protection: What Kenosha Gets in the New State Budget

MADISON, Wis. – The recently signed 2025–27 Wisconsin state budget includes several key wins for Kenosha County—ranging from added muscle in the District Attorney’s Office to millions in environmental preservation and taxpayer relief. State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) touted the package as a hard-fought, Republican-led effort that delivers tax cuts, education investments, UW System reforms, and funding for local priorities long championed

Plus +

Man Faces New Felony Charges Including Possession of Child Pornography, Escape

Jeremy D. Walker, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Kenosha man with a prior felony conviction is facing four new criminal charges after authorities allege he fled from police during a probation check and was later found in possession of child pornography. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Charged with Possessing Image of Naked Child; $10,000 Bail Set

Thomas P. Moffat, 62, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff) SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A 62-year-old Salem Lakes man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he possessed a sexually explicit image of a naked child on his cell phone. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Votes for Bill to Cut Taxes, Strengthen Border, and Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) cast a key vote this week in favor of H.R. 1, sweeping legislation aimed at reducing costs for families, delivering tax relief to seniors, and bolstering border security. The bill, which passed both chambers of Congress, now heads to President Trump for signature. “This bill is a win for Wisconsin workers, families, and seniors,” said Steil

Another Judge Steps Aside in Vanderzee Murder Case, Citing Past Contact with Defendant

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Yet another twist unfolded in the high-profile Vanderzee murder case when Judge Jason Rossell formally recused himself on June 24, citing prior contact with one of the defendants during his time as a prosecutor. According to the court record, Rossell stepped down from presiding over the case due to “prior contact with the defendant as an ADA.” Rossell served

Plus +

Third Arrest in Less Than a Month for Kenosha Man Accused of Repeatedly Violating Court Orders

Ryan M. Phillips, 40, of Kenosha in Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 40-year-old Kenosha man who already faced charges in two felony cases was arrested for a third time in just over three weeks—this time for allegedly violating a domestic abuse no-contact order and making illegal jailhouse calls to the victim. You must be logged in to

Plus +

Mother Accused of Threatening Officers, Neglecting Children at Pool While Allegedly Intoxicated

Lauren M. Leipzig, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly passing out at a public pool while responsible for three young children, including her own, and later threatening to have police officers killed. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Inmate Charged Again After Second Alleged Jail Assault

Kristina Faith Sargeant, 28, of Kenosha In Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha County Jail inmate already facing felony charges for a previous cell block assault has been charged again—this time for allegedly striking a different inmate in another altercation inside the jail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

City Employee Who Stole Rebate Funds Sentenced to 45 Days in Jail

Jamie D. Watkins, 54, of Kenosha and Defense Attorney Terry Rose In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A former City of Kenosha arborist who admitted to stealing rebate checks from the city’s Parks Department was sentenced to 45 days in jail Wednesday by Judge Gerad Dougvillo, who called the theft “a betrayal of public trust.” You must

Plus +

Teen Previously Convicted in School Shooting Case Faces New Felony Gun Charge

Jason Isom Jr., 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha teenager who was previously adjudicated delinquent in connection with a 2022 shooting near Frank Elementary School is now facing five new criminal charges, including felony possession of a firearm, after police say he was caught with a loaded 9mm handgun and marijuana during a traffic stop on July 1. You must

Neglect Charge Filed After Disabled Uncle Found Malnourished and Soiled in Somers Home

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha man has been charged with negligent abuse of an at-risk individual after deputies found his disabled uncle lying incoherent, half-naked, and surrounded by feces in their shared home. Robert Jeremy Warden, 37, appeared in court Tuesday and was charged with one count of negligently subjecting an at-risk individual to abuse—specifically, conditions not likely to cause bodily harm. The

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Tasing and Slapping Teen at Graduation Party

Jeffery W. Grundman, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 34-year-old Kenosha man appeared in court Wednesday on accusations that he tased and slapped a 17-year-old at a graduation party in the Town of Wheatland, allegedly using a stun gun while intoxicated and then threatening violence when confronted. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Neglect Charge Filed After 3-Year-Old Found Wandering Kenosha Street Alone

Mary E. Spates, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony child neglect charge after her 3-year-old son was found outside alone, wearing only underwear, in a high-traffic neighborhood early Sunday morning. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Prospect Heights Man Identified in Fatal Highway 50 Crash

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Authorities have identified the man killed in last week’s single-vehicle crash on Highway 50 as John B. Douglas, 69, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, according to an update issued Wednesday by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Douglas was driving a full-sized pickup truck eastbound along the 22400 block of State Highway 50 on the evening of Friday, June 27, when

Plus +

Kenosha Judge Rejects Leniency, Jails Former Teacher in Grooming Case

Christian Enwright, 30, of Kenosha Crying in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Former Kenosha middle school teacher Christian Enwright was sentenced Tuesday to 15 months in jail and three years of probation after pleading guilty to 15 counts of disorderly conduct stemming from what prosecutors described as a months-long grooming relationship with a 14-year-old student. Kenosha County

Plus +

Colorado Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Minor at Country Thunder

Ronnie O. Crews, 57, of Parker, Colorado(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Colorado man appeared in a Kenosha County courtroom Monday to face serious felony charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor during the 2017 Country Thunder music festival in the Town of Randall. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

KUSD Announces Honor Roll Students for 2024-2025 School Year

It is with great pride that we share our honor roll students with you. Congratulations to each of our students whose hard work and dedication resulted in this amazing achievement. Keep up the great work! – KUSD Bradford High ‘*’ Indicates straight A’s Students in Grade 9 Elaina Barnard, Alexander Bokota, Charlotte Bradley, *Jocelyn Calero, Kaydi Caron, Morgan Christian, Sophia Coniker, *Dominik Dahlberg,

Interstate Car Theft Ring Busted After KDOG Investigation Leads to Federal Indictments

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. –An abandoned license plate found on a rural Kenosha County highway in 2022 has unraveled what officials say was a highly sophisticated, multi-million-dollar interstate car theft and money laundering operation. The Kenosha County Drug Operations Group (KDOG), working in collaboration with federal and local partners, has helped bring federal charges against 23 individuals, the Sheriff’s Department announced Wednesday. Kenosha County

House Fire Destroys Silver Lake Home — Help the Peterson Family Rebuild

On a tragic day in Silver Lake, Jim and Lisa Peterson lost everything when a fire tore through their home on East Depot Street. The fire moved fast and left behind nothing but devastation. While Jim and Lisa thankfully escaped with their lives, they are now left without a home, clothes, or the basic necessities we so often take for granted. Their family

Plus +

Judge Ends Leniency for Trenton Kmiec with 7-Year Prison Sentence

Trenton B. Kmiec, 24, of Salem Lakes and Defense Attorney Benjamin Schwarz In Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – After years of what many saw as unusually light treatment across multiple counties, 25-year-old Trenton B. Kmiec was sentenced Monday to seven years in prison and another seven years of extended supervision. The son of embattled attorney and former

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

GTC President Authorized Mass Employee Payouts Weeks Before Stepping Down

Ritu Raju (D) – President, Gateway Technical College KENOSHA, Wis. – Just weeks before her planned departure, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Ritu Raju authorized a large-scale payout to all regular employees—an expenditure some estimated could cost taxpayers between $1 million and $2 million. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Placed on Leave Again After Second Domestic Incident

Emil J. Ortiz, 41, of Somers, WI(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy who was previously arrested in April for an alleged drunken domestic assault is once again on leave after a second domestic disturbance was reported at his home in Somers. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Salem Lakes Administrator Leaving Amid Scandals—Board Still Signals Support for Contract Renewal

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Cassandra Hiller, the embattled Village Administrator of Salem Lakes, is preparing to leave her position after a tenure filled with controversy, public backlash, and strained government relations. But in a move that has left many residents baffled, Village officials—including President Rita Bucur—reportedly knew she was planning to depart and still expressed support for renewing her contract. Hiller has not

Extra Prosecutors, Tax Cuts, and Dunes Protection: What Kenosha Gets in the New State Budget

MADISON, Wis. – The recently signed 2025–27 Wisconsin state budget includes several key wins for Kenosha County—ranging from added muscle in the District Attorney’s Office to millions in environmental preservation and taxpayer relief. State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) touted the package as a hard-fought, Republican-led effort that delivers tax cuts, education investments, UW System reforms, and funding for local priorities long championed

Plus +

Man Faces New Felony Charges Including Possession of Child Pornography, Escape

Jeremy D. Walker, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Kenosha man with a prior felony conviction is facing four new criminal charges after authorities allege he fled from police during a probation check and was later found in possession of child pornography. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Charged with Possessing Image of Naked Child; $10,000 Bail Set

Thomas P. Moffat, 62, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff) SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A 62-year-old Salem Lakes man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he possessed a sexually explicit image of a naked child on his cell phone. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Votes for Bill to Cut Taxes, Strengthen Border, and Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) cast a key vote this week in favor of H.R. 1, sweeping legislation aimed at reducing costs for families, delivering tax relief to seniors, and bolstering border security. The bill, which passed both chambers of Congress, now heads to President Trump for signature. “This bill is a win for Wisconsin workers, families, and seniors,” said Steil

Another Judge Steps Aside in Vanderzee Murder Case, Citing Past Contact with Defendant

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Yet another twist unfolded in the high-profile Vanderzee murder case when Judge Jason Rossell formally recused himself on June 24, citing prior contact with one of the defendants during his time as a prosecutor. According to the court record, Rossell stepped down from presiding over the case due to “prior contact with the defendant as an ADA.” Rossell served

Plus +

Third Arrest in Less Than a Month for Kenosha Man Accused of Repeatedly Violating Court Orders

Ryan M. Phillips, 40, of Kenosha in Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 40-year-old Kenosha man who already faced charges in two felony cases was arrested for a third time in just over three weeks—this time for allegedly violating a domestic abuse no-contact order and making illegal jailhouse calls to the victim. You must be logged in to

Plus +

Mother Accused of Threatening Officers, Neglecting Children at Pool While Allegedly Intoxicated

Lauren M. Leipzig, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly passing out at a public pool while responsible for three young children, including her own, and later threatening to have police officers killed. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Inmate Charged Again After Second Alleged Jail Assault

Kristina Faith Sargeant, 28, of Kenosha In Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha County Jail inmate already facing felony charges for a previous cell block assault has been charged again—this time for allegedly striking a different inmate in another altercation inside the jail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

City Employee Who Stole Rebate Funds Sentenced to 45 Days in Jail

Jamie D. Watkins, 54, of Kenosha and Defense Attorney Terry Rose In Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A former City of Kenosha arborist who admitted to stealing rebate checks from the city’s Parks Department was sentenced to 45 days in jail Wednesday by Judge Gerad Dougvillo, who called the theft “a betrayal of public trust.” You must

Plus +

Teen Previously Convicted in School Shooting Case Faces New Felony Gun Charge

Jason Isom Jr., 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha teenager who was previously adjudicated delinquent in connection with a 2022 shooting near Frank Elementary School is now facing five new criminal charges, including felony possession of a firearm, after police say he was caught with a loaded 9mm handgun and marijuana during a traffic stop on July 1. You must

Neglect Charge Filed After Disabled Uncle Found Malnourished and Soiled in Somers Home

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha man has been charged with negligent abuse of an at-risk individual after deputies found his disabled uncle lying incoherent, half-naked, and surrounded by feces in their shared home. Robert Jeremy Warden, 37, appeared in court Tuesday and was charged with one count of negligently subjecting an at-risk individual to abuse—specifically, conditions not likely to cause bodily harm. The

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Tasing and Slapping Teen at Graduation Party

Jeffery W. Grundman, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 34-year-old Kenosha man appeared in court Wednesday on accusations that he tased and slapped a 17-year-old at a graduation party in the Town of Wheatland, allegedly using a stun gun while intoxicated and then threatening violence when confronted. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.