(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Two high-ranking government employees are on admisnistrative leave among a law-enforcement probe into misconduct and possibly, corruption. KCE can confirm that Fleet Management Manager Pat Sepanski and ID/Evidence Supervisor Sebastian Kawka have both been placed on administrative leave as a direct result of the probe.
Joint Services is a governmental agency that is funded by Kenosha County taxpayers. It provides services for 9-1-1, police records, police identification, evidence, and fleet maintenance for the Kenosha Police Department and the Kenosha Sheriff’s Department, as well as a few small services for other agencies. Joint Services, under the leadership of Josh Nielsen and before him, Tom Genthner, has had many scandals and misconduct instances over the last four decades. Their staffing levels are at a critical low point due to poor employee morale.
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(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
At least one whistle-blower told Sepanski’s boss, Director Josh Nielsen, about some troubling allegations. According to the whistle-blower, Nielsen ignored the complaints. He/she then brought the complaint to KCE. We don’t ignore allegations of misconduct.
The whistle blower’s allegations that were ignored by Nielsen but reprted on by KCE are as follows:
He/she alleges:
Sepanski regularly gains financially though his position.
Sepanski collects scrap metal (rims, rotors, exhaust systems, radiators, etc.) from the agency and sells the metal for money, keeping it.
Sepanski keeps rebates from Menards for purchases made on behalf of the tax-payers
Sepanski purchased vehicle lifts for less than market value from the agency and later sold them for a profit.
Sepanski is storing many personal items in a maintenance garage, taking up space desperately needed for operations.
Sepanski brings his personal vehicles to the shop to work on them, using Joint Services supplies, tools, and parts – sometimes while on duty.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KCE brought these allegations to the attention of the Chairman of the Joint Services board, Monica Yuhas (D) on August 26, 2022. She responded two days later, saying, “I will be following up on Monday with Director Nielsen regarding theses allegations and will ask for them to be thoroughly looked into.” We learned that Monica, Nielsen, and Assistant Director Stephanie Lorenzo didn’t want the police involved. They were conducting only an “internal” investigation.
Kenosha Alderman David Mau and County Board Member Terry Rose both insisted, in writing to Nielsen that they wanted a law enforcement investigation. Law enforcement would soon be contacted. It is unknown which law enforcement agency is investigating – no one will tell us. We don’t know how the ID/Evidence supervisor is allegedly involved either. We will, however not give up until we learn.
Neither Yuhas, Nielsen nor Lorenzo responded to multiple requests for comment.
17 Responses
Yuhas is right. The process starts with initial inquiries and then a determination made to see if there needs to be escalation.
Some of this doesn’t sound like a crime.
That said, the rest sounds a bit like Steinbrink,jr.
Doing nothing until they’re pressured isn’t the same as what u call “initial inquiries”. Many months of doing nothing.
The potential allegations against ID/Evidence supervisor Kawca could be much more troubling and important than the alleged transgressions of the fleet maintenance supervisor. I hope KCE keeps digging and reports what is uncovered.
Fleet maintenance manager is investigated for a Menards rebate and scrap metal (TRASH) ?? Really?? He should be commended for keeping the scrap out of the land fills!! What is next, investigate the janitor for collecting aluminum cans from Joint Services!?! Come on… Really!?!
There’s a lot of money in these items. This money should be put back into the business for more parts, tools, etc, NOT use it for personal gains. Most people would call that theft, embezzlement, fraud of funds, etc.
Thank you for exposing these LibTArds.
You’re a moron…. one of the people mentioned in this article is a right-wing, card-carrying Republican. Of course, Republicans can’t EVER do anything wrong…
Who is a card-carrying Republican ??
Fake News. #RHINO
So show your facts. Easy to comment and not state facts
Show the fact that they are “libtards”… clown.
Good response. Clown. You want to call out the editor. That’s your turn to place burden of truth. Clown
It wouldn’t surprise me if they are friends with the Steinbrinks. Any update on that scumbag John Jr.?
He’s still a scumbag.
I’d like to know if these clowns are still being paid while on administrative leave. It’s too bad these TAKERS are cheating the system.
Also look into the city bus garage supervisor. Rumor is he does the same thing.
Wiling to bet this sort of behavior and worse is common practice when taxpayers foot the bill. Republicans or Demoncrats they are all trying to screw us over,