Pleasant Prairie Corruption Probe Update – Explosive Documents Obtained

Copied!
John Steinbrink, Jr – Nathan Thiel – John Steinbrink, Sr

We are learning more about the corruption investigation into the Village of Pleasant Prairie. The Racine County Sheriff is conducting probe into the Village of Pleasant Prairie’s public works director, John Steinbrink , Jr. Junior’s dad is the Village President, John Steinbrink Sr. According to documents obtained by KCE, we now know that ousted Village Administrator Nathan Thiel was behind placing John Steinbrink, Jr on leave. In the letter placing Junior on leave dated April 1, 2022, the reasons cited are:

Paid Advertisement

Mishandling of Village Assets
Falsifying State Reports
Mismanagement of Public Contracts

Paid Advertisement

The letter also commanded Junior to report to Village hall at a later date to answer questions. The same day Junior was placed on leave, a Village-wide email was sent by Thiel, saying in part:

Paid Advertisement

“You should be made aware that earlier today we placed John Steinbrink Jr on paid administrative leave in order to provide sufficient space for an investigation of several substantive allegations made earlier this week. To eliminate the appearance of any bias, investigations wil be conducted by an outside agency……. You may share with other staff as appropriate, but please emphasize that this is a sensitive issue and gossip and rumors will not be tolerated”

Paid Advertisement

The fact that Thiel was ousted shortly after putting Junior on leave is adding to the public’s belief that he was punished by the Village Board headed by Junior’s father.

Paid Advertisement
Trustee and Former Administrator Mike Pollocoff

Reached by phone, Village Trustee and former Village Administrator Mike Pollocoff told KCE that when the board decided to not renew Thiel’s contract, it was before the beginning of Junior’s investigation. He told us that no one got in the way of the investigation and the investigation into Junior didn’t play a role in his choice not to keep Thiel.

Paid Advertisement

This matter is still in the investigative process by the Racine County Sheriff and no charges have been filed yet.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

MORE TOP STORIES

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

14 Responses

  1. He is being paid his full salary when he committed multiple felonies. If this was anyone else, they would be incarcerated. Instead he is on vacation with his gold digging girlfriend. Shame on our local government and their coniving, fool President!

    1. Just another shameful way to stick it to the tax payers. The paid leave should stop immediately! What a slap in the face.

  2. the board, the administrators, the directors and most of the staff at VOPP are small town corrupt minded people. They’ve all been allowed to do what they do for years and nobody questions. That’s the problem with small towns and big bullies. Nobody wants to vote against them and nobody really wants to know what they’re up to or speak up. Sad for such a prosperous village.

    1. Oh! We vote against them.alright! They just know how to keep it so our votes are out numbered by false voters! It’s such a joke!

  3. This ongoing story reminds me of one of my past public employers. Same kind of issues and misconduct, just different names and location. There’s much less accountability and a ‘circle the wagons’ defense mechanism when one of their darling administers are either accused or caught. Slap on the wrist discipline and never a serious consequence for an abusive use of authority. It makes me rather ill just reading this. Things don’t change and you just move on to another job with a private company employer where gross misconduct is not tolerated and those guilty get fired.

  4. Wish there was away of checking voting records regarding Police and Fire referendum because everyone person I talked to said they voted against it but it passed opening up more money for village to control and steal! Looking back when Pollocoff had an opponent they found 100 votes for him and zero for his opponent that is unbelievable odds, but in the village thats how things add up.

  5. Does Pollocoff expect people to believe that the Village Administer finding out about the stealing and corruption and putting Jr. on leave had nothing to do with him being fired?
    It probably felt like being hit by a bus for Jr and Sr. How dare someone expect them to not pillage the taxpayers and not have objection to it. The theft and corruption have been going on for a very long time. Including the entire time Pollocoff was the administrator.
    Is it odd that Pollocoff is the mouthpiece for the board and not SR.? SR. never voted to not renew Thiels’s contract, nor did he sign the em[loyess exit agreement for the village. Pollocoff had to sign them. Maybe Sr. is also under investigation also. Maybe Sr. should be relieved of his board seat until this is resolved. He is not voting or performing the duties of the board President.
    One thing the residences should watch for and not allow would be for Pollocoff to be appointed as the Village Board President. That would be the fox moving into the hen house.
    Now we are entering the 3rd month of Jr. getting his full pay. When he is found guilty, will he have to return the wages?

  6. It’s absolutely absurd that we as tax payers have to sit here and pay for his salary while he’s under investigation for multiple charges. His repeated mistreatment of public employees over the years is more than enough to fire Jr., Pollocoff and Sr. are the only reason John Jr. was not let go immediately.

  7. Hopefully we can get some outstanding people that will run for village board to replace these people who only think of them self and there cronies.

  8. The whistle was blown on Steinbrink on or before March 23rd. I have two theories on why they fired Thiel the first is hoping the investigation into Jr. would go away or if it was pre-planned I think they were going to move Jr. to that position. Kevin can you find out why John hasn’t been fired? I heard from a close source that HR had already been told (weeks ago) that he is being charged with multiple felonies and they are still digging for more (those don’t even include falsifying DNR documents) Why are taxpayers paying his salary if HR knows there are definitive charges from the Sheriff’s office? Why is HR coddling this corrupt piece of shit at our expense?

  9. I’d really love to know where this stands and where the investigation is going.. Both of the Steinbrinks have been abusing their power and stealing at the expense of all of us for far too long and everyone knows it! They belong in prison…

    1. I think there is A LOT of “looking the other way” and cover up throughout the whole PP Administrative office! Everyone should be questioned.

  10. How was Steinbrink Jr able to gain employment working at the Village, when Steinbrink Sr was working there? They didn’t think that was a conflict of interest? They both should be investigated!

    1. They voted years ago in their policies to allow family members to be employed there. I believe there is another relative that works for PP too, but not sure which dept.

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Restraining Order Violator Allegedly Threatened to “Make Body Disappear,” Witness Says

SALEM, Wis. — Michael A. Daniels, a failed farmer with a long trail of legal troubles, was in court Tuesday after allegedly violating a temporary restraining order just hours after being served. Kenosha County Court Commissioner William Michel set bail at $500 cash. Daniels, 48, of Salem, is charged with violating a temporary restraining order issued May 19. If convicted, he faces up

Kenosha Bartender Accused of Scissors Attack On Sister

KENOSHA, Wis. — In the early hours of June 2, 2025, a 33-year-old Kenosha bartender, Justine E. Bloxdorf, was arrested after allegedly attacking her sister with a pair of scissors following a reported dispute involving drugs. According to police sources, a 9-1-1 call was made around 2:22 a.m., shortly after Bloxdorf finished her shift at a downtown tavern. Responding Kenosha officers recommended criminal

Fourth OWI Defendant Wanted After Failing to Appear in Court

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after failing to appear in court Wednesday on felony charges related to an alleged fourth drunk driving offense earlier this month. Matthew J. Mortensen, 47, was summoned to appear at 1 p.m. in Kenosha County Circuit Court for an initial appearance in case 2025CF000855. When he failed

Plus +

Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Neighbor During Lakefront Dispute

Thomas L. Carlson Jr., 50, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 50-year-old Burlington man is facing criminal charges after allegedly pulling a gun on his neighbor during a late-night confrontation at Lily Lake, escalating what authorities described as an ongoing feud between the two men. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Held Woman Hostage at Knife Point for Seven Hours, Prosecutors Say

Glen D. Pipkin Jr., 40, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges and is being held on a high cash bail after police say he brutally attacked and held a woman hostage inside their shared home for over seven hours, using a knife to threaten, injure, and

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing SUV, Resisting Arrest While Out on Bond for Two Other Cases

Crystal S. Wakefield, 31, of Kenosha of Kenosha In Court Today(Photo by Nathan DeBruin for Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 31-year-old Kenosha woman is facing six new criminal charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and resisting arrest while already out on bond in two separate cases. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

LATEST NEWS

Steil Secures $700K Federal Grant for Pike River Restoration in Kenosha County

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County will receive $700,000 in federal funding to support water quality improvements and habitat restoration along the Pike River, Congressman Bryan Steil announced Friday. The money, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will go to the Kenosha County Division of Parks. The grant is intended to help restore more than 3,200 feet of streambank and

Plus +

Teen Charged in High-Speed Chase That Endangered Multiple Children

SOMERS, Wis. – A Kenosha teenager is facing six felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods with three juveniles in the vehicle, including two minors who had reportedly stolen a relative’s car. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

$17,500 Bail Set for Kenosha Man Caught with Fentanyl, MDMA, and Marijuana, Police Say

Elijah B. Echols, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 27-year-old Kenosha man with a violent criminal history is facing three new felony drug charges after police say they caught him with more than 30 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and MDMA, along with a stash of marijuana hidden in his body. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Somers Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Housemate, Obstructing Arrest

SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Somers man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly housemate and refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic arrest at a deteriorating home in the Town of Somers. Nick W. Picazo was formally charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony physical abuse of an elder person—intentionally causing bodily harm. He also faces

Plus +

Underwear-Clad Intruder Charged After Breaking Into Porch, Banging on Door

Phillipp Schiavi, 58, of Kenosha KENOSHA, Wis. — A 58-year-old Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after allegedly running through a neighborhood in his underwear and trying to force his way into a stranger’s home while screaming profanities. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Trio Charged in Kenosha Wallet Theft and Gift Card Scheme

Keir Saunders, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are facing felony charges after a Kenosha grocery store manager’s stolen wallet was used to buy over $1,200 in gift cards at Walmart last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Salem Lakes Board Sparks Outrage After Voting to Let Convicted Predator Live Near Park, Boy Scout Camp

Child Predator Joshuah C. Koboldt, 40, of Salem Lakes (9416 276th Avenue)(Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Salem Lakes Village Board ignited a firestorm this week after narrowly approving a convicted child predator’s request to live just steps away from a children’s park and Camp Wonderland, a well-known Boy Scout campground. You must be logged in to view the rest

Extreme Heat Warning: Kenosha County Reminds Residents of Available Cooling Centers

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – With extreme heat warnings in effect this week, Kenosha County officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of designated cooling centers throughout the area. Cooling centers are available at various municipal buildings, libraries, and community organizations across the county. These locations offer air-conditioned relief and are open to the public during the hours listed below: .

Plus +

Strangulation, Threats, and False Imprisonment: Kenosha Man Faces 10 Charges

Arturo L. Martinez III, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing ten criminal charges—including felony strangulation, false imprisonment, and threats to injure—after a woman reported months of domestic violence that allegedly occurred in front of their young children. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged in Drive-By Shooting at Family Party

Damien C. Wess, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 24-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges after allegedly driving a getaway vehicle from a shooting that took place at a family gathering. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Strangling Neighbor Over Property Dispute

PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — A 54-year-old Paddock Lake man has been charged with felony strangulation and elder abuse after allegedly attacking his 66-year-old neighbor during a property line dispute on June 15 in the Village of Paddock Lake. Richard K. Ruck faces three charges: physical abuse of an elder person, strangulation and suffocation, and disorderly conduct. The criminal complaint, filed June 17 in

Free German-Style Pop-Up Biergarten Returns to Kenosha’s Lakefront July 17–19

KENOSHA, Wis. — A popular summer tradition is returning to HarborPark as the Hofbräu Pop-up Biergarten sets up along the lakefront from July 17 through July 19. The event is free to attend and promises three days of festive, family-friendly fun in the spirit of a traditional German Biergarten. Held at Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, the biergarten will serve authentic Hofbräuhaus beer

Plus +

Kenosha Riot Participant Denied Early Release by Judge

Kelly Ziminski, 34(Kenosha County Sheriff and Wisconsin DOC) KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the rioters present the night Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people in Kenosha has been denied early release from prison. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Sues County After Sheriff’s Squad Crashes Through Funeral Procession

Kenosha Sheriff’s Squad(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is suing Kenosha County after a sheriff’s squad allegedly ran a red light and drove through a funeral procession, crashing into her vehicle and causing serious injuries. 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.