Details Released In Lakeview High School Counselor On Unpaid Leave For Misconduct

Copied!
School Counselor Joseph Pitts, Jr (40) of Sturtevant
(LakeView Facebook Page)

Details were released in the investigation of LakeView High School Counselor Joseph Pitts, Jr (40) of Sturtevant, WI. According to a source, and later confirmed by KUSD spokesman Tanya Ruder, Joseph Pitts is on leave from his job as counselor at the high school.

Paid Advertisement

The Kenosha Unified School District was made aware of allegations of misconduct on February 21, 2023, and an in-depth investigation was immediately launched. Pitts was placed on paid leave until the investigation concluded on March 20, 2023. Pitts was then moved to unpaid leave on March 21, 2023.

Paid Advertisement

KCE learned that Pleasant Prairie Police was asked by the district to investigate if any criminal charges were warranted. According to the police report:

Paid Advertisement

On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the mother and father of “Jane Doe” came into LakeView High School Principal Bethany Ormseth’s office. They were there to notify the district that Pitts, Jr was having a romantic relationship with their daughter Jane, who had just turned 18. She graduated from the high school in June of 2022. Jane’s parents had learned that Jane was spending time at Pitts’ home in Sturtevant.

Paid Advertisement

Jane’s mom started looking into the relationship between Pitts and Jane. She noticed on the phone bill that her daughter and Pitts would talk on the phone many times for hours when Jane was still 17 years old and a student at LakeView. The phone was Pitts’ personal cell phone. Jane’s mom confronted her about the relationship and she told her mom that she was in love with Pitts. Jane told her parents that the romantic relationship started when she turned 18, but her parents didn’t believe her. They think that Pitts “groomed” Jane. (Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit, and sexually abuse them.)

Paid Advertisement

Pleasant Prairie investigators spoke with Pitts at LakeView High School. Pitts admitted to a current romantic relationship with Jane, but later said they were just “friends.” While Jane was a student, he said the two had a “unique thing” and “special bond” but denied any physical contact. He told investigators he never gave out his personal phone numbers to students, but did with Jane because of the “special bond.” He said he never planned on a romantic relationship, but it “just sort of happened” after she turned 18. He said they slept in the same bed, kissed, and touched each other’s genitals under the clothes, but didn’t admit to oral sex or intercourse.

Paid Advertisement

Pitts and Jane exchanged letters at graduation that used the word “love” in them. Pitts told police their first time seeing each other outside of school was at a graduation party, and shortly thereafter, at Pitts’ home.

Paid Advertisement

Police asked Pitts for consent to look through his phone and he declined. Police seized the phone but couldn’t go through it without a search warrant. Pitts gave conflicting stories during the interview. For example, he initially denied that Jane spent the night at his house in February, then said he didn’t remember, then said “yes.” Pitts was worried that people would think the relationship started when Jane was still a student but he said it wasn’t like that. Detective Hoffman asked Pitts if he really thought it was a good idea for a 40-year-old man to have a romantic relationship with a former student that just turned 18. Pitts went silent and never answered the question. Pitts said, “This isn’t what it seems like. Looking [back] at this back, I get how it sounds. It’s not. I never did anything with her until she was eighteen.” Pitts then stated, “It does not look good because we did talk a lot on the phone.” He then referred to
his phone and said, “And now, it’s going to look weird that, like there is no, everything is off of it, because I just recently was clearing all the stuff off of it.” Pitts was then asked when and if he had deleted anything off of his phone and he said “like today, cus the storage was all used up.”

Paid Advertisement

Investigators consulted with DA Mike Graveley and ADA Drew Lehman and drafted a search warrant for the cell phone. Unfortunately, stopping the investigation in its tracks, and leading to the non-prosecution, Judge Jason Rossell refused to sign the search warrant, citing no probable cause.

Investigators spoke to Jane at the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Jane was asked if she thought that Pitts was grooming her and she said, “During school? No. During the summer, like the month before I because an adult? I guess you could say that was special attention but at the same time, like…that’s a short period to groom someone.” Jane did admit to being at Pitt’s house while she was still a student. She saved his cell phone number into her phone as her cousin, so her parents wouldn’t know.

According to the report, KUSD is planning to “charge” Pitts with “texting students, grooming students of color, and switching absences for students.”

KCE doesn’t have any update on Pitts’ employment status.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Suspicious Package Near Pleasant Prairie Dairy Queen Prompts Evacuations, Highway Closure, Bomb Squad Response

Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A suspicious package discovered outside a Dairy Queen in Pleasant Prairie Thursday night prompted a large emergency response, evacuations of nearby businesses, and the temporary shutdown of part of Highway 50. Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Bargain Bail Billy Gets The Boot: Commissioner William Michel II Relieved Of His Duties Today

Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II was reportedly fired today after months of scrutiny over his bail decisions, courtroom conduct and handling of restraining order cases, including his denial of Makayla Rutka Plaza’s request for protection

MORE TOP STORIES

District Attorney Xavier Solis Endorses Sandy Wiedmeyer in State Senate District 11 Race

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has endorsed Sandy Wiedmeyer in the State Senate District 11 race, calling her a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and conservative leadership. In a statement provided directly to Kenosha County Eye, Solis said Wiedmeyer understands the importance of supporting

Categories
Archives
Authors

61 Responses

  1. What the hell is “grooming a person of color”? How is that different from grooming a white person? Why on earth would KUSD differentiate based on the student’s “color”? (Or could that be a police-report error?) Sidebar: Does the color of the alleged groomer matter in any way?

    As far as the criminal law aspect, kudos to the judge for not signing a warrant. There doesn’t seem to be even an accusation of criminal activity, and certainly nothing more than mere suspicion based on what I’m reading here.

    34
    11
    1. He’s known this student since they were a minor. That’s very weird considering he waited until the moment she turned 18.

      18
      1
      1. definitely woke–i guess grooming a person of color is worse than grooming a white person these days

        13
        6
    2. A girl gets groomed and you’re first thought is how white people were affected because they said “person of color”? Grow up.

      21
      9
      1. So by your stupid “liberal” logic, if the student wasn’t a “person of color”, it would have been OK then? Grow up.

        6
        4
      2. Why would you assume it was a first thought? And why would you be so shallow as to think that it’s not allowable to multitask and be a offended and appalled by many different things from the same pathetic story? Race was brought up by the school leadership that for some bizarre reason had to separate grooming into colors. Do not mention the absurdity of that would be as silly as you are with a comment alleging that it is wrong to mention it at all.

        7
        2
  2. I don’t know that I’m especially horrified considering she was close to being illegal adult, but refusing to sign the warrant was ridiculous. Do you honestly believe anyone who erases their phone information the minute the police want to look at it? Is it legal? I have no idea, but I know that it’s nothing you would believe if your child came home with a bike that you’d never seen before and a story like the one coming from this counselor. At this point I guess I leave it to the parents to decide what they feel is needed and if we have any legal basis to follow their train of thought. So far it looks like the law is able but not willing to investigate a possible crime

    8
    5
    1. I wonder if the student gave permissions to police to search her phone? It doesn’t seem like it, as those contents should have been enough probable cause to obtain a warrant to search his phone.

      5
      1
  3. Another sick, pedo groomer exposed. KUSD would have just swept this one under the rug if it wasn’t for you Kevin.

    18
    1
  4. Jimmy P got to skip town and now grooms in another state. This groomer will do the same. Illinois wants him.

    5
    2
  5. The guy looks gay, opposed to being straight. Perhaps he swings both ways!

    Anyways WTF is wrong with both of these people thinking it’s okay for a 40 year old and 18 year old to have a relationship! Perhaps she has Daddy issues and looking for a father figure to replace her own Dad. Why else would a student get involved with their teacher!! They are both sickos!!

    And that judge needs to go!!!

    0
    13
  6. Laura, Laura, Laura….you couldn’t even find enough PC for a search warrant? I never had ANY SW refused in my time! Are you getting soft? Dig…dig…it it seems wrong, it is!

    3
    2
  7. Deleting your physical phone texts and chats does not delete it from whatever server/app/cell provider records. The transmission data remains in tact if there were a search warrant granted.

    6
    1
  8. I’ve got big balls
    I’ve got big balls
    They’re such big balls
    And they’re dirty big balls
    And he’s got big balls
    And she’s got big balls
    (But we’ve got the biggest balls of them all)
    And my balls are always bouncing
    My ballroom always full
    And everybody comes and comes again
    If your name is on the guest list
    No one can take you higher
    Everybody says I’ve got
    Great balls of fire

    12
    2
  9. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⡿⠋⠁⠀⠀⠈⠉⠙⠻⣷⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠇⠀⢀⣴⣶⡾⠿⠿⠿⢿⣿⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⣀⣀⣸⡿⠀⠀⢸⣿⣇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⣷⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⣾⡟⠛⣿⡇⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣷⣤⣤⣤⣤⣶⣶⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⠀⠀
    ⢀⣿⠀⢀⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠻⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⣿⡏⠀⠀⠀⠀⢴⣶⣶⣿⣿⣿⣆
    ⢸⣿⠀⢸⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠉⠁⠀⠀⠀⣿⡇⣀⣠⣴⣾⣮⣝⠿⠿⠿⣻⡟
    ⢸⣿⠀⠘⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠁⠉⠀
    ⠸⣿⠀⠀⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠟⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠻⣷⣶⣿⣇⠀⠀⠀⢠⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣛⣛⣻⠉⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⣀⣀⣀⣼⡿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⣿⣿⡿

    9
    2
  10. The dude is a good looking guy, no doubt he doesn’t have trouble attracting female attention. He succumbed to his physical desires, a very costly mistake in that he threw away his career, his reputation, and now the monetary and financial costs will begin. All men should take note of this and BEWARE, temptation is real and knowing this beforehand and evaluating what the potential costs of giving into temptation could be when you have a clear mind. I suspect he will be moving far, far away at the first opportunity.

    18
    11
  11. ⣿⣯⣿⣟⣟⡼⣿⡼⡿⣷⣿⣿⣿⠽⡟⢋⣿⣿⠘⣼⣷⡟⠻⡿⣷⡼⣝⡿⡾⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⢁⣵⡇⡟⠀⣿⣿⣿⠇⠀⡇⣴⣿⣿⣧⣿⣿⡇⠀⢣⣿⣷⣀⡏⢻⣿
    ⣿⣿⠿⣿⣿⣿⠷⠁⠀⠛⠛⠋⠀⠂⠹⠿⠿⠿⠿⠿⠉⠁⠀⠘⠛⠛⠛⠃⢸⣯
    ⣿⡇⠀⣄⣀⣀⣈⣁⠈⠉⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠠⠎⠈⠀⣀⣁⣀⣀⡠⠈⠉
    ⣿⣯⣽⡿⢟⡿⠿⠛⠛⠿⣶⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢠⣴⣾⠛⠛⠿⠻⠛⠿⣷⣶
    ⣿⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⣿⡿⣶⣿⣫⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠰⣿⠿⠾⣿⡇⠀⠀⢺⣿
    ⣿⣿⠻⡀⠀⠀⠙⠏⠒⡻⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠐⡓⢚⠟⠁⠀⠀⡾⢫
    ⣿⣿⠀⠀⡀⠀⠀⡈⣉⡀⡠⣐⣅⣽⣺⣿⣯⡡⣴⣴⣔⣠⣀⣀⡀⢀⡀⡀⠀⣸
    ⣿⣿⣷⣿⣟⣿⡿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢻⢾⣷⣿
    ⣿⣿⣟⠫⡾⠟⠫⢾⠯⡻⢟⡽⢶⢿⣿⣿⡛⠕⠎⠻⠝⠪⢖⠝⠟⢫⠾⠜⢿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⣋⣀⣈⣢⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣐⢸⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⡔⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢻⣿⡿⣿⣿⢽⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣀⠀⠀⠀⠘⠛⢅⣙⣙⠿⠉⠀⠀⠀⢀⣠⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
    ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣄⣅⠀⠓⠀⠀⣀⣠⣴⣺⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿

    4
    3
  12. I hope he knows hes betrayed the trust of so many girls that trusted him. hes ruined any kind of admiration hes built with the students at lakeview. disgusting.

    5
    2
    1. Absolutely! I can’t believe this. I’m in shock and disgusted. I can’t believe this man knew my deepest thoughts.

      2
      1
  13. i remember multiple students complained abt this guy and staff did nun ? karma for that lame ass school

    6
    1
  14. Guys, I need some money. I’m trying to ask out my friend EDP445 to a date. I was thinking about getting some cupcakes for him but I don’t know what flavor he likes. Any suggestions?

    8
    1
  15. I’m not justifying Pitts actions or saying he is in the right, I’ve known Pitts since freshman year. He is someone that most of us enjoyed at the school, now Jane was 17 at the time during school and him giving her his phone number is non excusable m now we certainly don’t know exactly why he gave her the phone number but if you think about it and why these other kids have his phone number aswell is because he’s a guidance counselor. again I am not excusing him, but maybe the children were going through things mentally or had things going on at home like being neglected or physically abused or maybe traumas??? Personally I don’t think that Pitts would have sexual relations before she was legal, yes I think her being over at his house before the legal age of consent is very odd I don’t think he would’ve done something so idiotic. I don’t know. this is just my view.

    1. I promise you the older you get the more you’re going to realize how actually fucked up this behavior is.

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Suspicious Package Near Pleasant Prairie Dairy Queen Prompts Evacuations, Highway Closure, Bomb Squad Response

Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A suspicious package discovered outside a Dairy Queen in Pleasant Prairie Thursday night prompted a large emergency response, evacuations of nearby businesses, and the temporary shutdown of part of Highway 50. Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Bargain Bail Billy Gets The Boot: Commissioner William Michel II Relieved Of His Duties Today

Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II was reportedly fired today after months of scrutiny over his bail decisions, courtroom conduct and handling of restraining order cases, including his denial of Makayla Rutka Plaza’s request for protection

Plus +

Pleasant Prairie Woman Charged With Felony Child Abuse After Boy Allegedly Whipped With Cord, Punched in Eye

Esmeralda Ramirez-Nunez, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A 32-year-old Pleasant Prairie woman is facing felony child abuse charges after police say a 10-year-old boy suffered bruises and linear injuries consistent with being struck with a charging cord, belt and hands inside a Pleasant Prairie apartment earlier this week. Esmeralda Ramirez-Nunez, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)

District Attorney Xavier Solis Endorses Sandy Wiedmeyer in State Senate District 11 Race

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has endorsed Sandy Wiedmeyer in the State Senate District 11 race, calling her a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and conservative leadership. In a statement provided directly to Kenosha County Eye, Solis said Wiedmeyer understands the importance of supporting victims, holding criminals accountable, and backing law enforcement officers working on the front

Plus +

Michigan Man Arrested in Multi-State Kohl’s Fraud Case; California Woman Still Wanted on Warrant

Xiong Peng, 36, of Southfield, Michigan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Xiong Peng, 36, of Southfield, Michigan, appeared in Kenosha County court Friday after being arrested Thursday evening on felony identity theft charges tied to an alleged multi-state Kohl’s fraud scheme, while co-defendant Siyu Qian, 30, of Irvine, California, remains wanted on a warrant with a $2,500 cash bail still outstanding. Xiong

Plus +

Milwaukee Woman Arrested on Warrants in Kenosha Robbery, Pepper Spray and Bail Jumping Cases

Mylah S. Hatchett, 34, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee woman accused of pepper spraying an Ulta Cosmetics employee and punching a store manager during a robbery in Pleasant Prairie more than a decade ago was arrested Thursday evening on outstanding Kenosha County warrants and hauled into court Friday afternoon. Mylah S. Hatchett, 34, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)

Plus +

Somers Man Charged After Allegedly Striking Daughter, Pulling Out Her Hair During Alcohol-Fueled Incidents

Calvin A. Piehl, 61, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple domestic abuse charges after prosecutors say he struck his adult daughter in the face during one incident and later pulled out chunks of her hair during another confrontation while intoxicated. Calvin A. Piehl, 61, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Charged With Felony Domestic Violence Again Weeks After Conviction in Earlier Assault Case

Vanessa Vallejo, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 34-year-old Kenosha woman who was convicted earlier this year in a violent domestic abuse case involving allegations that she struck her boyfriend with a rearview mirror, smashed property, and threw a dog to the ground is now facing new felony domestic violence charges after prosecutors say she attacked the same man

Memorial Day Ceremonies, Parades And Veterans Events Planned Across Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Memorial Day will be observed across Kenosha County with a full weekend of ceremonies, parades, cemetery tributes, a flag retirement ceremony, a POW/MIA service and family-friendly remembrance events honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. The Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services has compiled a list of events scheduled from Saturday, May

Robin Energy Storage To Hold Community Forum In Bristol Amid Growing Controversy Over Proposed Battery Site

WHEATLAND, Wis. — The company behind the controversial Robin Energy Storage battery project announced it will hold a public “Community Forum” in Bristol as opposition to the proposed facility continues to intensify across Wheatland and surrounding communities. According to a flyer distributed by the company, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kenosha

Local Officials, First Responders Mark Water Safety Month With Lifejacket Campaign

KENOSHA, Wis. — Local elected officials, public safety workers, and community organizations across Kenosha County donned lifejackets this week as part of a countywide campaign promoting boating and water safety during Water Safety Month. Friday marks the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear Your Lifejacket at Work Day,” an annual awareness campaign encouraging people to wear lifejackets whenever they are on or near the

Turning Point Action Endorses Ellen Schutt in State Senate Race as Opponent Sandy Wiedmeyer Pushes Back

KENOSHA, Wis. — Republican state Senate candidate Ellen Schutt announced this week that she has received the endorsement of Turning Point Action in Wisconsin’s 11th Senate District race, drawing a sharp response from fellow Republican candidate Sandy Wiedmeyer. In a campaign statement released Wednesday, Schutt said she was “honored” to receive the endorsement from the conservative grassroots organization founded by activist Charlie Kirk.

Wisconsin’s Largest School Districts Urge Lawmakers To Revive Special Education Funding Deal

KENOSHA, Wis. — The superintendents of Wisconsin’s five largest public school districts on Thursday issued a joint statement urging Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers to resume negotiations on special education funding after the collapse of a bipartisan education and tax relief proposal in the state Senate. The following is the full statement released Thursday by the school district leaders: “Wisconsin’s special education

Plus +

Career Violent Criminal Charged After Escaping Kenosha Correctional Center, Captured Eight Days Later In Racine

Jonathan M. Taylor, 31, of Kenosha (Racine County Sheriff’s Office)Kenosha Correctional Center (File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jonathan M. Taylor, 31, of Kenosha, a career violent criminal with a long history of battery, burglary, fleeing police, domestic abuse and prisoner battery convictions, was charged today after prosecutors say he escaped from the Kenosha Correctional Center and remained

Steil Introduces Resolution Recognizing Scam Survivors, Pushes for Greater Awareness and Prevention Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bryan Steil and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a resolution designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day, an effort aimed at recognizing victims of fraud while encouraging education and prevention efforts nationwide. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over the scale and sophistication of scams targeting Americans. According to figures cited by lawmakers backing the resolution,

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun From Moving SUV Held on $40,000 Cash Bail After Deputies Recover Glock From Field

Pierre J. Daniel, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of firing a handgun from a moving SUV and tossing the weapon into a field during a traffic stop was ordered held Thursday on a $40,000 cash bond by Court Commissioner William Michel II after prosecutors argued he posed a significant danger to the public. Pierre J.

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused of Repeatedly Attacking Partner, Following Him to Bar During Domestic Dispute

Gwendolin Rosina Vinson, 32, of Janesville(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of repeatedly assaulting her partner over the course of several days appeared Thursday before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, where prosecutors sought a $2,000 cash bond and the court ultimately set a $1,000 cash bond with conditions after allegations that she struck her partner,

Sheriff Candidates Forum Set For June 4 At The Stella In Downtown Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. — A public Republican primary sheriff candidates forum has officially been finalized for Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at The Stella Hotel & Ballroom in downtown Kenosha. With no candidates running on the Democratic ticket, the winner of the Republican primary is expected to become the next sheriff of Kenosha County. The event, hosted and sponsored by Kenosha County

Democrats, Some Republicans Sink Tax Relief and School Funding Deal, Nedweski Says

MADISON, Wis. — State Rep. Amanda Nedweski on Wednesday criticized Democrats and several Republicans after a proposed tax relief and education funding package failed to advance in the Wisconsin Senate. The legislation would have provided more than $600 million in additional funding for Wisconsin schools, including what supporters described as the largest increase in special education reimbursement funding in state history. The package

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Stabbing Partner Arrested This Morning on $40,000 Warrant

Maximilliano Noel Dominguez, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha man accused of repeatedly stabbing his partner during a domestic altercation was arrested early Wednesday morning after a judge signed a $40,000 arrest warrant earlier this week, according to court records. The defendant is expected to make his initial appearance Thursday before Court Commissioner William Michel II. Maximilliano

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged After Police Say Five Dogs Were Found In Filthy, Urine-Soaked Home Following Bloody Pit Bull Attack

Stacey T. Weaver, 48, of Kenosha(Facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 48-year-old Kenosha man is facing 12 misdemeanor animal neglect and mistreatment charges after police say they found five dogs living inside a filthy, urine-soaked home with feces, mice droppings, blood, poor ventilation, padlocked crates and multiple injured animals following a violent dog attack last fall. Stacey T. Weaver, 48, of Kenosha(Facebook.com) You must

Hard Rock Rockford Expansion Sparks New Concerns Over Proposed Kenosha Casino Project

KENOSHA, Wis. — A newly announced expansion project tied to the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock operation in Rockford is raising fresh questions about the long-term economic viability of the proposed Kenosha casino and whether environmental reviews tied to the Wisconsin project are now outdated, according to a local anti-gambling group. Citizens Against Expanded Gambling issued a statement Wednesday criticizing the planned Rockford hotel

Kenosha Law Enforcement Memorial Service Honors Fallen Officers, Focuses on Human Side of the Badge

KENOSHA, Wis. — Law enforcement officers, retirees, judges, elected officials and community members gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Public Safety Monument for the annual Kenosha Law Enforcement Memorial Service, honoring local officers who died in the line of duty while also placing a strong emphasis on the emotional and mental toll carried by today’s officers. The ceremony, held during National Police Week, recognized

Plus +

Indiana Woman Accused in Multi-State “Felony Lane Gang” Scheme Finally Appears in Kenosha Case; Florida Co-Defendant Still Wanted

Andrea J. Garrett, 22, of Greenwood, Indiana(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — An Indiana woman accused of participating in a sprawling “Felony Lane Gang” theft and fraud operation tied to smash-and-grab vehicle burglaries at the Kenosha YMCA finally appeared in Kenosha County court after months of delays caused by her incarceration in other counties and prison transport issues. Prosecutors allege Andrea J.

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Suspicious Package Near Pleasant Prairie Dairy Queen Prompts Evacuations, Highway Closure, Bomb Squad Response

Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A suspicious package discovered outside a Dairy Queen in Pleasant Prairie Thursday night prompted a large emergency response, evacuations of nearby businesses, and the temporary shutdown of part of Highway 50. Pleasant Prairie Police Friday Evening (Photo by Incident Response) You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Bargain Bail Billy Gets The Boot: Commissioner William Michel II Relieved Of His Duties Today

Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II was reportedly fired today after months of scrutiny over his bail decisions, courtroom conduct and handling of restraining order cases, including his denial of Makayla Rutka Plaza’s request for protection

Plus +

Pleasant Prairie Woman Charged With Felony Child Abuse After Boy Allegedly Whipped With Cord, Punched in Eye

Esmeralda Ramirez-Nunez, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A 32-year-old Pleasant Prairie woman is facing felony child abuse charges after police say a 10-year-old boy suffered bruises and linear injuries consistent with being struck with a charging cord, belt and hands inside a Pleasant Prairie apartment earlier this week. Esmeralda Ramirez-Nunez, 32, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)

District Attorney Xavier Solis Endorses Sandy Wiedmeyer in State Senate District 11 Race

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has endorsed Sandy Wiedmeyer in the State Senate District 11 race, calling her a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and conservative leadership. In a statement provided directly to Kenosha County Eye, Solis said Wiedmeyer understands the importance of supporting victims, holding criminals accountable, and backing law enforcement officers working on the front

Plus +

Michigan Man Arrested in Multi-State Kohl’s Fraud Case; California Woman Still Wanted on Warrant

Xiong Peng, 36, of Southfield, Michigan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Xiong Peng, 36, of Southfield, Michigan, appeared in Kenosha County court Friday after being arrested Thursday evening on felony identity theft charges tied to an alleged multi-state Kohl’s fraud scheme, while co-defendant Siyu Qian, 30, of Irvine, California, remains wanted on a warrant with a $2,500 cash bail still outstanding. Xiong

Plus +

Milwaukee Woman Arrested on Warrants in Kenosha Robbery, Pepper Spray and Bail Jumping Cases

Mylah S. Hatchett, 34, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee woman accused of pepper spraying an Ulta Cosmetics employee and punching a store manager during a robbery in Pleasant Prairie more than a decade ago was arrested Thursday evening on outstanding Kenosha County warrants and hauled into court Friday afternoon. Mylah S. Hatchett, 34, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)

Plus +

Somers Man Charged After Allegedly Striking Daughter, Pulling Out Her Hair During Alcohol-Fueled Incidents

Calvin A. Piehl, 61, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 61-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple domestic abuse charges after prosecutors say he struck his adult daughter in the face during one incident and later pulled out chunks of her hair during another confrontation while intoxicated. Calvin A. Piehl, 61, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Charged With Felony Domestic Violence Again Weeks After Conviction in Earlier Assault Case

Vanessa Vallejo, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 34-year-old Kenosha woman who was convicted earlier this year in a violent domestic abuse case involving allegations that she struck her boyfriend with a rearview mirror, smashed property, and threw a dog to the ground is now facing new felony domestic violence charges after prosecutors say she attacked the same man

Memorial Day Ceremonies, Parades And Veterans Events Planned Across Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Memorial Day will be observed across Kenosha County with a full weekend of ceremonies, parades, cemetery tributes, a flag retirement ceremony, a POW/MIA service and family-friendly remembrance events honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. The Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services has compiled a list of events scheduled from Saturday, May

Robin Energy Storage To Hold Community Forum In Bristol Amid Growing Controversy Over Proposed Battery Site

WHEATLAND, Wis. — The company behind the controversial Robin Energy Storage battery project announced it will hold a public “Community Forum” in Bristol as opposition to the proposed facility continues to intensify across Wheatland and surrounding communities. According to a flyer distributed by the company, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kenosha

Local Officials, First Responders Mark Water Safety Month With Lifejacket Campaign

KENOSHA, Wis. — Local elected officials, public safety workers, and community organizations across Kenosha County donned lifejackets this week as part of a countywide campaign promoting boating and water safety during Water Safety Month. Friday marks the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear Your Lifejacket at Work Day,” an annual awareness campaign encouraging people to wear lifejackets whenever they are on or near the

Turning Point Action Endorses Ellen Schutt in State Senate Race as Opponent Sandy Wiedmeyer Pushes Back

KENOSHA, Wis. — Republican state Senate candidate Ellen Schutt announced this week that she has received the endorsement of Turning Point Action in Wisconsin’s 11th Senate District race, drawing a sharp response from fellow Republican candidate Sandy Wiedmeyer. In a campaign statement released Wednesday, Schutt said she was “honored” to receive the endorsement from the conservative grassroots organization founded by activist Charlie Kirk.

Wisconsin’s Largest School Districts Urge Lawmakers To Revive Special Education Funding Deal

KENOSHA, Wis. — The superintendents of Wisconsin’s five largest public school districts on Thursday issued a joint statement urging Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers to resume negotiations on special education funding after the collapse of a bipartisan education and tax relief proposal in the state Senate. The following is the full statement released Thursday by the school district leaders: “Wisconsin’s special education

Plus +

Career Violent Criminal Charged After Escaping Kenosha Correctional Center, Captured Eight Days Later In Racine

Jonathan M. Taylor, 31, of Kenosha (Racine County Sheriff’s Office)Kenosha Correctional Center (File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jonathan M. Taylor, 31, of Kenosha, a career violent criminal with a long history of battery, burglary, fleeing police, domestic abuse and prisoner battery convictions, was charged today after prosecutors say he escaped from the Kenosha Correctional Center and remained

Steil Introduces Resolution Recognizing Scam Survivors, Pushes for Greater Awareness and Prevention Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bryan Steil and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a resolution designating May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day, an effort aimed at recognizing victims of fraud while encouraging education and prevention efforts nationwide. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over the scale and sophistication of scams targeting Americans. According to figures cited by lawmakers backing the resolution,

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun From Moving SUV Held on $40,000 Cash Bail After Deputies Recover Glock From Field

Pierre J. Daniel, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of firing a handgun from a moving SUV and tossing the weapon into a field during a traffic stop was ordered held Thursday on a $40,000 cash bond by Court Commissioner William Michel II after prosecutors argued he posed a significant danger to the public. Pierre J.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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