(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The gavel slams. And just like that, the embattled Kenosha Firefighter/EMT Kerri W. Poltrock II has six domestic abuse charges dismissed. Instead, he received a non-criminal citation for disorderly conduct. This marks the conclusion of an over two-year-old case in which Poltrock was arrested on June 5, 2020 for abusing his wife. This wasn’t a who-done-it. Poltrock testified in open court and under oath that he slapped his wife. He told his boss, Kenosha Fire Chief Chris Bigley that he slapped his wife.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
One would think this would be an easy case to prove. Kenosha DA Graveley, however assigned Racine Deputy District Attorney Dirk Jensen to handle the case as a special prosecutor. Jensen and his boss, Racine County DA Patricia Hanson, agreed to dismiss all charges, and now-retired Kenosha Judge Mary K. Wagner approved the agreement. Today’s hearing was a formality and Judge Anthony Milisauskas presided, but was not the judge to approve the deal. We spoke with Jensen after court who walked briskly down the exterior courthouse steps to avoid questions, but did say that he was “aware” of the sexual assault allegations against Poltrock. Poltrock’s EMT license was suspended after the domestic abuse arrest but he didn’t tell his employer and treated patients illegally, subjecting the City taxpayers to a huge liability. He was suspended for five days for treating patients with a suspended EMT license and one day for the domestic abuse incidents.
Poltock’s two daughters, soon after his arrest, made very serious sexual assault allegations against Poltrock and a Kenosha Judge believed them after a several day court trial. Poltrock is court-ordered to stay away from his children and his ex wife-obtained a four-year restraining order against him.
Kenosha’s HR Director Steve Stanczak confirmed with KCE via phone that Poltrock is still on leave, but could not comment further. A Kenosha Fire Department Insider tells KCE that Poltrock is likely to resign in lieu of being terminated.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
13 Responses
What a pos. Pedophile.
This is confusing. CCAP says that he completed a deferred prosecution agreement which led to the ordinance citation and dismissal of misdemeanor domestic violence related charges. This is not unprecedented. What is confusing is the mention of chld sexual abuse allegations. So far there’s been no criminal complaint filed. Perhaps there was insufficient evidence to make criminal charges stick? Of course there could be allegations that affect his EMT license and/or employment status that are sustained by a burden of proof less than needed for a criminal conviction. (And, if he does resign, is that part of a plea or deferred prosecution agreement?) A lot of open questions and a confusing story. And, in the event he’s not guilty, what does that mean? There were people who felt Rttenhouse was guilty and he got off.
Read this:
https://kenoshaeye.com/2022/02/10/a-monster-in-a-fire-truck-violence-and-sexual-assault-allegations-against-kenosha-fireman-detailed-in-court-trial/
I read that about allegations made during a divorce trial. They may or may not be true and anyone familiar with divorce cases knows that. That’s why I wondered if there was something more to them or more recent evidence. Agree with you that the Racine DA’s unwillingness to prosecute should have further explanation. Perhaps she felt there wasn’t enough evidence to convict, perhaps not, but unless and until a jury hears all the evidence and finds him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt he’s presumed innocent. Agree that I wouldn’t want him as a neighbor or coworker and assaultive behavior alone could cost him the EMT license (and, of course, just because the law presumes innocence doesn’t mean he isn’t guilty).
When will Gravley actually do his job he was elected to do ? Doesn’t Racine and Walworth have enough going on in their own counties ? And who pays for these cases to be handled by others prosecutors?
Unbelievable! He admitted slapping his wife and yet he walks. WTF? The Poltrock name has deep roots in the KFD, but he is obviously from the same Is cloth as the rest. What a disgrace to the fire service and Kenosha. This jerk should be fired and sent to prison. The Racine DAs office should be ashamed of themselves. What a disgrace to the Justice System.
Isn’t it common practice for a county to defer prosecution to another county when it involves a government official or worker? What would the pitchfork and lantern brigade say if M. Gravely had handled this case. Also, his divorce is separate from child sexual assault allegations. People may not like it but that’s is the way our system works.
And the fire department is also separate from the courts and should do their job and fire him. Also, usually “the way our system works” is when child sexual assault allegations are made, it will at least be investigated and an attempt to prosecute, regardless of the divorce.
Reminds me of a fella I once knew. He used to be a Coke-sacker.
And before that he was a cork-soaker.
Up the creek without a paddle!
If you’re looking for a concoction to purge your stomach of tainted drink or food, simply go to Kenosha to see government and the legal system here in motion. Guaranteed to make you puke.
it is hard to understand how the judicial system works in kenosha and racine counties. when there is proof and yet he is slapped on the hand and that is it. Did Mr Dirk Jensen do his job? guessing not. Mr Poltrock was married before. Did Jensen investigate that marriage and why she left poltrock abruptly? was there a reason? is there a pattern? we wont know as Jensen didn’t do his job on many levels. and now poltrock on third paid leave. (who is paying..the taxpayers?). then in addition he practices for months without a license. putting the city at risk. wow. what an upstanding citizen.