Liberal Judge Lowers Bail From $75,000 To $5,000 For Racine Teacher Charged With Child Porn

Copied!
James L. Broetzmann (53) of Racine
(Racine County Sheriff)

A liberal Racine County Judge named Timothy D. Boyle, lowered the bail of an alleged child pornographer and pedophile from $75,000 to $5,000 last Friday. This was done one day after James L. Broetzmann was charged with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Broetzmann was a science teacher at Prairie School, an expensive and prestigious private school in Racine. He was fired on the day of his arrest – July 24, 2024.

Paid Advertisement
Racine County Circuit Court Commissioner John Bjelajac
(facebook.com
)

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Racine County Court Commissioner John Bjelajac set Broetzmann’s bail at $75,000 cash. Broetzmann faces a mandatory sentence of three years in the Wisconsin State Prison System for each count he is convicted with. Broetzmann faces 175 years in prison as a maximum sentence if convicted of all charges.

Paid Advertisement
Racine County Circuit Court Judge Timothy.D. Boyle (D)

Broetzmann’s attorney, Racine-based criminal defense attorney Patrick Cafferty, asked for a de-novo review, which went in front of the ultra-liberal Timothy D. Boyle. Boyle didn’t take much convincing to allow Broetzmann to be released into public by reducing his bail from $75,000 to a mere $5,000. $5,000 bails are usually seen in less serious cases.

Paid Advertisement
Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson (D)

Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson removed her office from the case, and of course, is keeping the reason a secret. She asked the Kenosha County DA’s office to handle the prosecution.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Zach Brost
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

In court for both hearings, was Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Zach Brost. Brost is known for being a fair and hard-working prosecutor in Kenosha. Brost opposed the drastic reduction in bail. Because of Boyle’s decision, Broetzmann was able to post the $5,000 cash bail today shortly after noon. He is free.

Paid Advertisement
James L. Broetzmann (53) of Racine
(Racine County Sheriff)

Broetzmann was a science teacher and The Prairie School. The school released a statement saying in part:

Paid Advertisement

“Deer Prairie Families,

Paid Advertisement

Middle and Upper School science teacher Jim Broetzmann has been arrested at his home in Mount Pleasant for possession of child pornography. He is no longer employed by the school.

We have a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate or illegal adult behavior, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement. At this time, there is no evidence of other criminal activity or that any Prairie students were involved.

We are shocked and appalled by this news. If you or your family has any information to share relevant to this situation, please contact me, your child’s division had, and/or [the Mt. Pleasant Police Department.]”

According to the criminal complaint, Broetzmann, an open homosexual, was found to be in possession of an image that appear to show nude males under the age of 18. Another photo depicted two males between the ages of 13 and 17 totally nude with the exception of winter hats and ski goggles. The one child’s penis was pressed up against the other child’s butt. Broetzmann told police he had a winter stocking hat/beanie fetish. Broetzmann also admitted to trading photos with another man. He also admitted to viewing photos of males between 9 and 10 years old. During the execution of a search warrant, officers located a number of winter hats within the residence. Police found at least five other images that appeared to be underage boys in the nude, some prepubescent.

A Mt. Pleasant Police Detective noted there were also several cartoon/comic images of men engaged in penis to anus intercourse with male children as well.

Broetzmann is due back in court Wednesday for a preliminary examination. Judge Timothy D. Boyle didn’t answer KCE’s questions about his disturbing decision to set Broetzmann free on a low bail.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

Against All Odds: Racine Man Transforms Life and Becomes Deputy Sheriff

Kenosha, Wis. – Sometimes, life offers second chances to those willing to fight for them. For Endel Williams, 50, that second chance is more than just a fresh start—it’s a full-circle moment. The once-troubled teen and twice-convicted felon will be sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff for the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office on March 31, 2025, marking an extraordinary turnaround. Williams’ past was anything but picture-perfect. His troubles with the law began early, leading to convictions

Read More »

Nedweski’s K9 Riggs Act Advances to Strengthen Protections for Police Animals

Madison, Wis. – State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) issued the following statement after the passage of AB 61—The K9 Riggs Act, which she authored to increase penalties for injuring or killing police or fire animals: “I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for AB 61, the K9 Riggs Act,” Nedweski said. “This bill resonates deeply with our local law enforcement agencies, and speaks directly to the heart of the Kenosha County community.” In October 2021, Kenosha

Read More »
MORE TOP STORIES

Missing Kenosha Woman Confirmed Deceased

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at about 4:55 PM a woman was found dead within a Lake Michigan break wall at Eichelman Park. The identity of the woman was initially unknown. With the assistance of the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office and a forensic odonatologist, the woman has been identified as 18-year-old Kayla Sobczak of Kenosha. On December 23rd, 2024, Kayla’s family contacted the Kenosha Police Department to report her missing, after last seeing her on

Read More »

Kenosha Man Arrested in Major Drug Investigation, Faces Multiple Charges

Kenosha, Wis. – A 42-year-old Kenosha man is being held on a $10,000 cash bail and faces serious drug-related charges after his arrest on Monday. Authorities took Lionel D. Jones into custody following a narcotics investigation, with evidence linking him to drug trafficking near a school zone. If convicted, Jones faces a potential prison sentence of over 60 years. Arrest and Charges On March 10, 2025, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Officer Carlos Gerena observed Jones in

Read More »

Kenosha Police Recommend Felony Charge for Racine Officer Amid Misconduct Investigation

Kenosha, Wis. – The Kenosha Police Department has recommended at least one felony charge against Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson following an investigation into alleged misconduct. The Racine Police Department initially uncovered possible misconduct involving Fenderson last year. To ensure transparency and avoid a conflict of interest, Racine authorities requested that the Kenosha Police conduct an independent investigation into the matter. According to a spokesperson for the Kenosha Police Department, investigators have recommended one count of

Read More »

Chicago Man Acquitted of Disorderly Conduct in Kenosha Trial

Kenosha, Wis. – A jury has found 56-year-old Justin S. Blake of Chicago not guilty of disorderly conduct, nearly four years after he was initially cited for the offense. The six-member jury reached its verdict in less than 20 minutes on Monday, clearing Blake of the non-criminal charge stemming from an April 2021 protest outside the Kenosha Public Safety Building. Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake—whose 2020 police shooting sparked widespread demonstrations—was originally cited for disorderly

Read More »

Racine Man Held on $2,500 Cash Bail After Serious Motorcycle Crash

Kenosha, Wis. – A Racine man is being held on a $2,500 cash bail after being charged with Knowingly Operating While Suspended (Causing Great Bodily Harm), a felony that could result in a prison sentence of up to three and a half years if convicted. Timothy L. Landry, 22, is accused of driving without a valid license and being involved in a vehicle-versus-motorcycle collision that nearly claimed the life of Antony Rivera-Valle. The crash occurred on

Read More »

Kenosha Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges, Accused of Witness Intimidation and Stalking

Kenosha, Wis. — A 43-year-old Kenosha man, Jason T. Barnhill, has been charged with multiple felonies, including Intimidating a Witness, Stalking, and Threats to Communicate Derogatory Information. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of Intimidating a Victim. Barnhill, a repeat offender, remains in custody at the Kenosha County Jail as he awaits his initial court appearance on March 20, 2025. Pending Criminal Cases Barnhill is already facing serious charges in two separate Kenosha County cases, 24CF1227

Read More »

Body Recovered from Lake Michigan at Kenosha’s Eichelman Park

Kenosha, Wis. – The Kenosha Police Department responded to Eichelman Park at approximately 4:55 p.m. Sunday afternoon after receiving a report of a body discovered in Lake Michigan. The park, located at 6135-3rd Avenue, was the site of an active recovery operation throughout the evening. Authorities initially restricted access to the park while police and emergency responders worked to retrieve the body from the water. At 8:54 p.m., the Kenosha Police Department issued an update confirming

Read More »

Body Cam Footage Contradicts Kenosha Activist’s Claims of Police Misconduct

Kenosha, Wis. – Newly released body cam footage obtained by KCE from the Kenosha Police Department (KPD) directly contradicts the claims made by self-described activist Ronnie D. Orr Jr., also known as “Ron Dean” on social media, regarding his recent arrest. Orr, 37, was taken into custody early Sunday morning outside Tavern on 6th for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Following the arrest, he launched a social media campaign, alleging excessive force and racial discrimination by

Read More »

Gordon Food Service Store in Pleasant Prairie to Close on March 15

Pleasant Prairie, Wis. – Gordon Food Service Store has announced the upcoming closure of its Pleasant Prairie location at 6905 75th Place, with its final day of operation set for Saturday, March 15. The company assured customers that regular business hours will remain in effect until closing day. While the physical store will shut its doors, Gordon Food Service’s Express Van Delivery Service will continue to serve customers in the Kenosha area, and online ordering will

Read More »

Kenosha Unified School District Investigates Allegations of Falsified Pupil Records

Kenosha, Wis. – The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) is actively investigating allegations that a staff member at Indian Trail High School and Academy altered pupil records to circumvent Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) eligibility rules. According to a source familiar with the matter, a receptionist at Indian Trail has been accused of modifying attendance records for varsity boys’ basketball players to ensure they remained eligible for competition. The district is currently deliberating on whether to

Read More »
Categories
Archives
Authors

53 Responses

    1. There should be the ability to charge people with slander for comments made on the internet. Throwing out someone’s name who has had no charges, or more importantly not been found guilty of any crime, should not be allowed.

      If you are an AFC union mom, why not go by your name—if you can call out someone? I’m a AFC Union parent, and would never throw out someone’s name like that.

    1. Parents. It’s the parents’ responsibility to protect their children. This includes being selective about who you allow your children to spend time with. The responsibility to protect their children falls on parents, and parents alone.

      It’s not the responsibility of the judicial system, law enforcement, or the schools. A parent’s first mistake is trusting the schools to educate, let alone protect, their children.

      2
      2
  1. Of all the people noted in this story, only John Bjelajac is a good man.

    He should run for office in Racine but I suspect he doesn’t want to get any closer to the evil than he already is as a commissioner.

    Thanks for the effort John.

    7
    1
  2. Of all the people noted in this story, only John Bjelajac is a good man.

    He should run for office in Racine but I suspect he doesn’t want to get any closer to the evil than he already is as a commissioner.

    Thanks for the effort John.

    Zach Brost might be a good guy but I don’t know him.

    2
    1
  3. He is connected to The Prairie School, which I am sure was a big reason it was reduced. I guarantee that they knew all about it for a while and threw him under the bus when it got hot. All the powers that be in Racine County have some tie to The Prairie School and the Johnson family.

    5
    11
    1. Dumbass they fired him, as a former student of Prairie I know this is completely unacceptable and if they knew about it prior he would have never set foot in the school.

      11
      1
    2. He has been there for more then 20 years. You can’t tell me someone didnt know. How many kids has he been involved with. So every time he saw a boy in a winter hat he would fantasize.

      2
      2
  4. What reasons were given during the hearing for bail reduction? The legal standard, of course, is that the primary purpose of bail is to assure appearance in court but public protection is part of the mix.

    However, I don’t want to dwell on the bail reduction because I don’t want it to overshadow something compelling. Compare the Prairie School’s response to what we’ve had from KUSD (and RUSD):

    “Middle and Upper School science teacher Jim Broetzmann has been arrested at his home in Mount Pleasant for possession of child pornography. He is no longer employed by the school. We have a zero tolerance policy for an appropriate or illegal adult behavior, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement. At this time, there is no evidence of other criminal activity or that any Prairie students were involved. We are shocked and appalled by this news. If you or your family has any information to share relevant to this situation, please contact me, your child’s division had, and/or [the Mount Pleasant Police Department.]”

    Clear, strong and unequivocal. KUSD and RUSD need to take note.

    17
    1. Yes! That’s what I was thinking! Now, hopefully they won’t allow the paperwork to be changed to “resigned” like the KUSD does for pedophile teachers!

      9
      2
  5. Absolutely disgusting. Why is this behavior ignored and excused over and over again? WTF is going on in our schools?

    1. What goes on is exactly what “the people” allow to go on ……. You know, all the lazy jokers who claim they’re a “responsible part of the community”.

      1. Speak for yourself. I voted to replace our commie school board. I’ve since pulled both of my kids from KUSD.

  6. What do you expect, having an openly gay man teach kids?? Some people should not be around children.
    Libs hate white males, so I was surprised to hear they were lenient with him…until I heard he is from their precious rainbow alphabet group.

    8
    11
    1. So no white males are “libs” by your definition?
      Do you even read your political postings before sending them?

      Criminals come from ALL groups and backgrounds. I see a lot of those Repubs getting arrested for touching the kiddos. Many of them white males.

      3
      10
  7. KUSD needs to take note on how it’s done, in firing these pedophiles immediately!!! That means no resignation or allowing them to continue to teach!!! Great job, Prairie School for protecting the children and putting their safety first!!

    10
    1
    1. you missed the point that he has an inconsequential bail, so he can continue his perverse behavior

      3
      1
  8. Tim boyle, a flipping liberal from the liberal law family of Boyles–my former neighbor growing up. I can’t stand these people. If this pig rapes a child, whose fault is it? Will boyle take accountability?

    7
    2
  9. Here is the sexual predator registry for the convicted pedophile teacher who worked at Prairie in the 80s.

    BOWERSOX, LARRY BOWERSOX, LARRY E
    BOWERSOX, LARRY
    BOWERSOX, LARRY EUGENE
    BOWERSOX, LARRY E
    BOWERSOX, LARRY
    111 TYLER DR
    COATESVILLE, PA 19320-5523
    OUT OF STATE COUNTY

    The “Prairie Advantage” !

    1. Related to Dottie Kay Bowersox…. Of whatever her name in, in what the health department in Racine?

      Whatever happened to the old pedo Mayor in Racine?

  10. Kevin, did you take down my post….. Hansen is starting to look more and more like fat bastard from Austin powers every day…..

  11. Prairie School: Pay a fortune so your kids can have bad grades competing against super nerds and look stupid when they apply to college. Other than the Johnson’s pet college Cornell, no college knows or cares about the Prairie Disadvantage.

    2
    2
  12. Well for Racine DA to pull out would more than likely be because someone there has ties to this pedo which could be why the judge reduced bail! They all scratch each others backs! It’s f’n disgusting!

  13. I”m pretty sure there Racine DA wouldn’t have “pulled out” if it was a big tub of pudding she was laying in!!!!!

    1. Btw September 20th is count day for Wisconsin DPI. Keep your kid home that day to affect the count and lower the tax burden.

  14. Its pretty clear that commenters love to make fun how people look and classify how hard someone works by political sides. This is terrible for our community and someday they will reap what they sow so grow up, its terribel.

    1
    1
  15. This guy was my science teacher in middle school. Learning about his fetish for winter beanie and stockings disgusts me, especially considering he would take students on skiing/snowboarding trips. Most trips were just day trips but he would take high schoolers to Colorado once a year for several days. I don’t know if he had to share a room with students but it wouldn’t surprise me.

Add a Comment

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

Categories
Archives
Authors

Subscribe to updates

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