Kenosha Judge Grants 16-Year-Old New Trial After Several Jurors Say They Were Bullied Into Guilty Verdicts

Copied!
Martel D. Lee (16) of Kenosha (Right) and His Mother Jen Jones
(Photo Courtesy of Mother)

In a courtroom filled to capacity this morning, a Kenosha Judge vacated a guilty verdict for 16-year-old Martel D. Lee. On August 15, 2024, Lee was found guilty of second degree sexual assault. The assault allegedly occurred at Indian Trail High School earlier this year. Lee was supposed to be sentenced on October 28, 2024, but three jurors sent letters to the Judge, expressing remorse for agreeing to a verdict that they did not believe in.

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Gared Dougvillo delayed the sentencing. He gave defense attorney Mike Barth and prosecutor Alexandra Smathers time to write briefs. The judge also indicated that he wanted affidavits from jurors to validate the letters sent to the court. The Wisconsin Public Defender’s office appointed Kevin Mathewson, a criminal defense investigator and editor of Kenosha County Eye to gather affidavits and evidence. Mathewson submitted three affidavits from jurors that he contacted and spoke to. Lee, Attorney Barth, and Lee’s mother all signed a conflict of interest waiver that allowed Mathewson to act as the defense investigator and report on this case.

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

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Smathers wrote a letter to the court attempting to get Mathewson removed from the case as an investigator because of what she calls a “bias against herself and the Kenosha County DA’s office.” The judge ignored this foolest request. Smathers also made false assertions about Mathewson in another letter. Today, Judge Dougvillo acknowledged the statements by Smathers as being “not correct.”

“I’m glad that Judge Dougvillo made a record that Smathers’ attempt to discredit me was unfounded. I do my job professionally. I find it strange that Smathers doubted my work on this case but failed to ask the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Investigator to check my work. I believe she was being disingenuous with the court, something she’s done before. She wrote a false and defamatory letter to Aurora Health to get a cherished SANE nurse fired. She lies and has no integrity,” said Mathewson. “I’m glad she’s leaving the Kenosha DA’s Office. She’s not only a bad prosecutor, but a bad person. I can now see why she was demoted in Sheboygan County.”

Paid Advertisement
Martel Lee (16) of Kenosha and Defense Attorney Mike Barth In Court
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Barth argued in his written brief that Lee should be given a new trial due to the jurors’ sworn testimony, saying that their verdicts weren’t their real verdicts. Barth faced a very high bar and an uphill battle. A Kenosha Attorney with decades of experience told KCE this was only the second time he saw a jury’s verdict overturned like this.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Gerad Dougvillo In Court
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Dougvillo gave a synopsis of this case. He noted that while the jury’s verdict was read, several jurors were crying, some had their heads down, and one even seemed to be praying. He acknowledged that there was no physical evidence in this case and it came down to the credibility of the defendant and the complaining witness. He said that the deliberations took longer than the trial. The jury seemed deadlocked several times. Dougvillo noted that all of the cases that Smathers cited were for cases in which the defendant was already sentenced. In this case, Lee has not been sentenced. Dougvillo reiterated that The Constitution and State Statute mandated that he properly administered justice. Dougvillo found that good cause exists that there was a miscarriage of justice. With that, he ordered the verdict overturned. He ordered that there be a new trial.

Paid Advertisement

Smathers told the court that the State would be appealing the decision. She then left the courtroom and went into the back room. She was then seen crying.

Paid Advertisement

KCE spoke to Jen Jones, Lee’s mother after the hearing. “I was overjoyed with the judge’s decision. It was fair. I don’t understand why [Smathers] is fighting this so much. She knew for a fact she didn’t have enough evidence to take this to trial. She is evil,” said Jones. “[Smathers] was crying because she lost. I feel she had a ‘win at all costs’ attitude. I hope she leaves this county because she’s not fair. She’s not in this for justice.”

Paid Advertisement

Judge Dougvillo scheduled a hearing for this Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. to discuss bail. Since Lee made a demand for a speedy trial, there is a chance he could be released then. If he is, Lee’s mother said he wants “Pizza from Dominos and to play his PS5.” She said “Maybe we’ll put up Christmas decorations together.”

Paid Advertisement

Allegations

According to the criminal complaint, he raped another student at Indian Trail High School on January 15, 2024. On February 19, 2024 the victim made a delayed report to police that Lee went into the bathroom stall after him and raped him. The victim also told police that the Lee used a translation app on his phone that translated from english to spanish to order the man to do his bidding. The victim was a spanish-only speaker and just recently immigrated to the USA. The victim, however had some credibility issues. His story changed many times. He recanted his allegations at least once, and then re-reported the allegations after a suicide attempt in which he stabbed himself in the chest multiple times and told his father he was “speaking with Satan.”

KCE was only present during the reading of the verdict. At least four jurors were actively weeping as the judge read the verdict, “Guilty.” Lee’s mother, Jen Jones was at every day of the trial and told us about many inconsistencies. “First [the victim] said my son went under the wall of the bathroom stall, later he said he followed him into the stall. He recanted his story twice. Also, [the victim] and his dad testified differently from what police wrote in their reports. First, [the victim] said that Martel threatened him in the classroom, but at trial, said it happened in the bathroom.” That’s when the state moved to dismiss the second count. The victim, who was also 16 at the time of the alleged rape suffers from schizophrenia. (KCE doesn’t usually publish juvenile mental health information, but in this case, it goes to credibility.)

When interviewed by a Kenosha Police Detective, the victim told him that he lied about the sexual assault. He did not know why, but he “just lied.” He was adamant that [he] was not sexually assaulted and “made the story up.”

Family and Supporters of Lee Outside The Courtroom Today
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Man Hits Pedestrian Outside Restaurant, Flees Scene Without Helping, Police Say

Michael F. Molinaro, 29, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 29-year-old Kenosha man is accused of striking a pedestrian with his SUV outside a Pleasant Prairie restaurant, then fleeing the scene without offering any help. Michael F. Molinaro was charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony hit-and-run causing injury. Court Commissioner

Plus +

Repeat Offender with Nearly a Dozen Open Cases Charged After Contraband Found in Jail

Darrell B. Galvin, 19, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 19-year-old Kenosha man already facing an avalanche of open criminal cases—most of them felonies—was granted just $1,000 cash bail Friday after being charged with smuggling marijuana into the Kenosha County Jail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

MORE TOP STORIES

Hundreds Turn Out for Hazardous Waste Collection, Diaper Drive in Bristol

BRISTOL, Wis. – More than 500 vehicles had already passed through by 10 a.m. Saturday at Kenosha County’s annual household hazardous waste collection event, held at the County Center in Bristol. The five-hour event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., gave residents a chance to safely dispose of

Milt Dean Surprised by Former Students as He’s Honored at Veterans Picnic

All veterans were celebrated — and one received a special honor — on Friday, at County Executive Samantha Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Memorial Picnic. The event, now in its third year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services,

Plus +

DNA Links Illinois Man to 2020 Kenosha Riot Burglary, $50K Bail Set

Erik C. Thomas, 34, of Illinois in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – More than four years after the Kenosha riots of 2020, a 34-year-old man from Illinois made his first court appearance Thursday for a series of alleged crimes committed during the riots, after

Plus +

Details Emerge in Indian Trail Teacher’s Firing Over Racial Comments

Ryan Nachtigal – Former Math Teacher, ITA(Facebook.com – School Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — The Indian Trail math teacher once allowed to keep his job after allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks and mocking a student with a “Heil Hitler” salute has now been fired following new

Plus +

Racine Man Accused of Graphic Snapchat Assault on Minor Held on $200,000 Bail

Shawn Michael Hughes, 34, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Racine County man is being held on $200,000 cash bail following charges that he used Snapchat to facilitate a sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in 2020 while staying in

KUSD Superintendent Responds to Urban League Criticism, Urban League Fires Back

KENOSHA, Wis. – One day after the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha publicly blasted Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) leadership in a scathing open letter, Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss issued a formal response, defending district practices while acknowledging community concerns. Weiss’s statement, released Wednesday afternoon, was addressed directly to

Categories
Archives
Authors

31 Responses

  1. I just hope that Carli McNeil, Smatters and their associates leave this kid alone. They attempted to assist this undocumented alleged victim in obtaining citizenship by trying to convict an innocent American kid who couldn’t afford a proper defense attorney. This case highlights their ineffectiveness, which seems consistent regardless of where they go. It’s regrettable that they are manipulating people’s lives in such a manner. Hopefully Solis will ensure that justice is served.

    27
    3
  2. Our family will be praying that this young man receives a fair trial the second time around, and that justice will prevail.

    After he is found not guilty, the accuser needs to face charges. He should not get away with the havoc he has wreaked. If he did this to change his immigration status-if he is not here legally, he should be promptly sent back to his homeland.

    26
    2
  3. As someone close to those in this courtroom, it is baffling how a jury could return a guilty verdict. This is one of the weakest cases ever to see a courtroom. The prosecution should be ashamed of themselves for pushing this with no physical evidence, no consistent story and a tainted jury. Judge Dougvillo did a great thing today. Smathers is a hateful person and needs to go.

    23
    2
  4. Awe. Smathers had to cry because she has to redo her homework. What a pos trial attorney. Here let me get you a Kleenex for what you did to that defendant. Not.

    12
    2
    1. You evil sick person do you know my son? How do you know he’s guilty? Was you there? Can’t answer any of those questions you just wanna say something negative I hope one day you have to deal with something like this and then maybe you’ll see how it feels you evil person sincerely, Martel‘s mother

  5. Thank you, Kevin, for all of your work on this case. Thank God this young man’s life was not ruined by our DA’s office as so many others before him have had their lives destroyed by these vicious, incompetent freaks. Xavier Solis has his work cut out for him, but I finally have hope that we will see justice in Kenosha from our DA’s office.

    13
  6. Kevin, I am sure that the family is very thankful for all the work that you have done on this case. I, as one of your readers is appreciative because this case didnt sit well with me since I read it and wondered how in the heck it got as far as it did. And,
    Shame on all of you that are throwing in the race card.It doesn’t matter what color the kid is. He Deserves a fair trial and he did not get one the first time around.

    16
  7. This kid NEEDS A BETTER ATTORNEY! Mom, do whatever you need to do to get him a better lawyer! Barth is useless. Have your son tell him he is fired (he’s allowed to do that) Have the PD office appoint somebody competent so he doesn’t lose again.

    1. You are ill informed, one can fire their PD, but cannot request a new PD. They will be on their own to pay for a private attorney, which mom should set up a go fund me and get some help.

  8. One thing we DON’T need on juries, are gutless people
    that are afraid to speak up when they don’t like the
    way the deliberations are being handled.
    It’s bad enough that attorneys are allowed to strike
    potential jurors they feel are too smart to believe the
    lines of BS that they are fooled into believing.
    By BOTH sides.
    Intelligent people are usually smart enough to sift
    through the chicanery.

  9. Once again Kenosha county eye finds corruption reports it and people realize it ain’t all sweet. Now imagine the things that our elected officials and appointed individuals have slipped pass us. I know first hand the results of exposing bogus officials! Love or hate it,you have to respect that Kenosha county eye has put people on notice!!!! Love it!!!!

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Man Hits Pedestrian Outside Restaurant, Flees Scene Without Helping, Police Say

Michael F. Molinaro, 29, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 29-year-old Kenosha man is accused of striking a pedestrian with his SUV outside a Pleasant Prairie restaurant, then fleeing the scene without offering any help. Michael F. Molinaro was charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony hit-and-run causing injury. Court Commissioner

Plus +

Repeat Offender with Nearly a Dozen Open Cases Charged After Contraband Found in Jail

Darrell B. Galvin, 19, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 19-year-old Kenosha man already facing an avalanche of open criminal cases—most of them felonies—was granted just $1,000 cash bail Friday after being charged with smuggling marijuana into the Kenosha County Jail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Hundreds Turn Out for Hazardous Waste Collection, Diaper Drive in Bristol

BRISTOL, Wis. – More than 500 vehicles had already passed through by 10 a.m. Saturday at Kenosha County’s annual household hazardous waste collection event, held at the County Center in Bristol. The five-hour event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., gave residents a chance to safely dispose of items like household chemicals, old electronics and other potentially dangerous materials. Organized in

Milt Dean Surprised by Former Students as He’s Honored at Veterans Picnic

All veterans were celebrated — and one received a special honor — on Friday, at County Executive Samantha Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Memorial Picnic. The event, now in its third year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services, and an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy the scenic grounds

Plus +

DNA Links Illinois Man to 2020 Kenosha Riot Burglary, $50K Bail Set

Erik C. Thomas, 34, of Illinois in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – More than four years after the Kenosha riots of 2020, a 34-year-old man from Illinois made his first court appearance Thursday for a series of alleged crimes committed during the riots, after spending years in federal custody. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Details Emerge in Indian Trail Teacher’s Firing Over Racial Comments

Ryan Nachtigal – Former Math Teacher, ITA(Facebook.com – School Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — The Indian Trail math teacher once allowed to keep his job after allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks and mocking a student with a “Heil Hitler” salute has now been fired following new allegations of racial misconduct. You must be logged in to view the rest

Plus +

Racine Man Accused of Graphic Snapchat Assault on Minor Held on $200,000 Bail

Shawn Michael Hughes, 34, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Racine County man is being held on $200,000 cash bail following charges that he used Snapchat to facilitate a sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in 2020 while staying in Kenosha County. The allegations, described in graphic detail in a newly filed criminal

KUSD Superintendent Responds to Urban League Criticism, Urban League Fires Back

KENOSHA, Wis. – One day after the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha publicly blasted Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) leadership in a scathing open letter, Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss issued a formal response, defending district practices while acknowledging community concerns. Weiss’s statement, released Wednesday afternoon, was addressed directly to Urban League President and CEO James Hall and was shared with other community

Residents Slam Kenosha Fiber Project Over “Crappy” Cleanup, City Hall Shrugs

KENOSHA, Wis. – A major infrastructure project touted as the future of internet service in Kenosha is drawing fierce backlash from residents, who say the installation has left their neighborhoods looking like construction sites—with no sign of repair. The city’s partnership with SiFi Networks to bring high-speed fiber internet to every home has turned into a messy ordeal for many. While the “Kenosha

Opinion: A 15-Year-Old Girl Showed More Courage Than Every Catholic Priest in Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — I was born and raised Catholic. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. I chose to raise my children in the Church too. When I moved to Kenosha in 2006, I became a parishioner at St. Therese. I trusted my kids’ spiritual lives to that parish—until the priest who baptized them was arrested for sexually harassing

$25,000 Arrest Warrant Issued for Illinois Man Accused of High-Speed Fleeing in Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Illinois man is wanted in Kenosha County on felony charges related to a reckless high-speed pursuit through city streets that police say endangered several lives last fall. On May 28, Court Commissioner William Michel II signed a $25,000 arrest warrant for Kurtis P. McCarnes, of Round Lake, Ill., after prosecutors filed two felony counts stemming from an Oct.

Urban League Slams KUSD in Blistering Open Letter, Calls Out ‘Culture of Silence’

KENOSHA, Wis. – In a rare and fiery rebuke, the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha, Inc. publicly condemned the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) on Wednesday, accusing district leadership of fostering a toxic and discriminatory environment for students and staff. In an open letter posted to social media, the civil rights organization declared it could “no longer remain silent” about what it

Kenosha Man Charged in Laundromat Coin Machine Break-In

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 49-year-old Kenosha man already in jail is facing new felony charges after prosecutors say he smashed open a laundromat coin machine with a fire extinguisher and made off with a bag of coins in a pre-dawn burglary. Epstein D. Scott was charged Thursday with felony criminal damage to property and misdemeanor entry into a locked coin box, both as

Kenosha woman accused of beating 15-year-old son with bat held on $5,000 bail

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 52-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly assaulting her 15-year-old son with both her hands and a baseball bat during an argument over money. Ericka Menee Jackson-Morning was charged Thursday with physical abuse of a child, intentionally causing bodily harm, with a dangerous weapon enhancer. The Class H felony carries a maximum sentence of up to

Plus +

Bar Rescue Couple Back in Court Following Twin Domestic Charges

Nicole M. Lehman, 42, of Somers in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Just two months after a bizarre domestic disturbance that ended with her being dragged out of her home after an encounter with deputies where she was allegedly naked, reality TV bar owner Nicole Lehman returned to court Thursday on fresh charges—and with a familiar face

Plus +

‘Defeated’ Cold Case Murder Suspect Appears in Court Today as Bond Set at $500K: Video

John Viskocil, 70, of Randall, in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — The man accused of helping orchestrate the 2003 execution-style murder of Navy veteran David Vanderzee appeared in Kenosha County court on Wednesday, more than two decades after the crime. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Gail’s Law Gains Momentum in Madison, Aims to Eliminate Insurance Gap for Breast Cancer Screenings

MADISON, Wis. – Lawmakers, breast cancer survivors, and advocates gathered Tuesday for a Senate Health Committee hearing on Senate Bill 264, also known as Gail’s Law, which seeks to close a longstanding insurance gap that leaves many Wisconsin women paying out-of-pocket for potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie), is named in honor of the

Bike-to-Work Weeks Begin Saturday in Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – Cyclists across Kenosha County are encouraged to dust off their helmets and hit the road this weekend as Bike-to-Work Weeks officially kick off Saturday, May 31, and run through Saturday, June 14. The annual initiative, jointly promoted by Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, aims to encourage residents to consider bicycling as a fun, healthy

Plus +

Robbery Plot for Gas Money Ends in Charges for Silver Lake Pair

Kelly M. Stankus, 49, of Silver Lake SILVER LAKE, Wis. – A Silver Lake couple is facing felony charges after an alleged robbery at a BP gas station last December, in what authorities say was a brazen attempt to steal a donation box for spare change. Kelly M. Stankus, 49, and her live-in boyfriend Jason G. Strelow, 49, were both criminally charged on

Kenosha County Cold Case Cracked: Wife and Her Lover, Arrested, Charged in 2003 ‘Execution-Style’ Murder

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – After nearly 22 years of silence, suspicion, and stalled justice, Kenosha County prosecutors have charged Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins and her alleged lover, John Viskocil, with the cold-blooded murder of Vanderzee-Collins’s husband, David Vanderzee, in what authorities describe as an “execution-style” killing meticulously orchestrated under the guise of a crumbling marriage and secret romance. Commissioner William Michel II signed arrest warrants

Kenosha Man Wanted for Alleged Voter Fraud During 2020 Election

KENOSHA, Wis. – A felony arrest warrant has been issued for a Kenosha man accused of illegally casting a ballot in the 2020 presidential election while still on felony probation. Court Commissioner William Michel II signed the $500 warrant Monday for 33-year-old Michael A. Regina. Prosecutors allege he knowingly voted in the November 3, 2020 general election despite being ineligible under Wisconsin law

Plus +

High-Speed Chase Suspect Faces Felony Charges After Nearly Striking Kenosha Squad Car

Zachary L. Pulera, 38, of Kenosha in Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing more than three decades behind bars after prosecutors say he led police on a dangerous, rain-soaked high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with a marked squad car and endangering pedestrians. You must be logged in to view

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Man Hits Pedestrian Outside Restaurant, Flees Scene Without Helping, Police Say

Michael F. Molinaro, 29, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 29-year-old Kenosha man is accused of striking a pedestrian with his SUV outside a Pleasant Prairie restaurant, then fleeing the scene without offering any help. Michael F. Molinaro was charged Friday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony hit-and-run causing injury. Court Commissioner

Plus +

Repeat Offender with Nearly a Dozen Open Cases Charged After Contraband Found in Jail

Darrell B. Galvin, 19, of Kenosha in Court Friday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 19-year-old Kenosha man already facing an avalanche of open criminal cases—most of them felonies—was granted just $1,000 cash bail Friday after being charged with smuggling marijuana into the Kenosha County Jail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Hundreds Turn Out for Hazardous Waste Collection, Diaper Drive in Bristol

BRISTOL, Wis. – More than 500 vehicles had already passed through by 10 a.m. Saturday at Kenosha County’s annual household hazardous waste collection event, held at the County Center in Bristol. The five-hour event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., gave residents a chance to safely dispose of items like household chemicals, old electronics and other potentially dangerous materials. Organized in

Milt Dean Surprised by Former Students as He’s Honored at Veterans Picnic

All veterans were celebrated — and one received a special honor — on Friday, at County Executive Samantha Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Memorial Picnic. The event, now in its third year, again featured a free lunch served courtesy of Mission BBQ, resource tables with information about county and VA services, and an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy the scenic grounds

Plus +

DNA Links Illinois Man to 2020 Kenosha Riot Burglary, $50K Bail Set

Erik C. Thomas, 34, of Illinois in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – More than four years after the Kenosha riots of 2020, a 34-year-old man from Illinois made his first court appearance Thursday for a series of alleged crimes committed during the riots, after spending years in federal custody. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Details Emerge in Indian Trail Teacher’s Firing Over Racial Comments

Ryan Nachtigal – Former Math Teacher, ITA(Facebook.com – School Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — The Indian Trail math teacher once allowed to keep his job after allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks and mocking a student with a “Heil Hitler” salute has now been fired following new allegations of racial misconduct. You must be logged in to view the rest

Plus +

Racine Man Accused of Graphic Snapchat Assault on Minor Held on $200,000 Bail

Shawn Michael Hughes, 34, of Racine in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 34-year-old Racine County man is being held on $200,000 cash bail following charges that he used Snapchat to facilitate a sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in 2020 while staying in Kenosha County. The allegations, described in graphic detail in a newly filed criminal

KUSD Superintendent Responds to Urban League Criticism, Urban League Fires Back

KENOSHA, Wis. – One day after the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha publicly blasted Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) leadership in a scathing open letter, Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss issued a formal response, defending district practices while acknowledging community concerns. Weiss’s statement, released Wednesday afternoon, was addressed directly to Urban League President and CEO James Hall and was shared with other community

Residents Slam Kenosha Fiber Project Over “Crappy” Cleanup, City Hall Shrugs

KENOSHA, Wis. – A major infrastructure project touted as the future of internet service in Kenosha is drawing fierce backlash from residents, who say the installation has left their neighborhoods looking like construction sites—with no sign of repair. The city’s partnership with SiFi Networks to bring high-speed fiber internet to every home has turned into a messy ordeal for many. While the “Kenosha

Opinion: A 15-Year-Old Girl Showed More Courage Than Every Catholic Priest in Kenosha County

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — I was born and raised Catholic. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. I chose to raise my children in the Church too. When I moved to Kenosha in 2006, I became a parishioner at St. Therese. I trusted my kids’ spiritual lives to that parish—until the priest who baptized them was arrested for sexually harassing

$25,000 Arrest Warrant Issued for Illinois Man Accused of High-Speed Fleeing in Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Illinois man is wanted in Kenosha County on felony charges related to a reckless high-speed pursuit through city streets that police say endangered several lives last fall. On May 28, Court Commissioner William Michel II signed a $25,000 arrest warrant for Kurtis P. McCarnes, of Round Lake, Ill., after prosecutors filed two felony counts stemming from an Oct.

Urban League Slams KUSD in Blistering Open Letter, Calls Out ‘Culture of Silence’

KENOSHA, Wis. – In a rare and fiery rebuke, the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha, Inc. publicly condemned the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) on Wednesday, accusing district leadership of fostering a toxic and discriminatory environment for students and staff. In an open letter posted to social media, the civil rights organization declared it could “no longer remain silent” about what it

Kenosha Man Charged in Laundromat Coin Machine Break-In

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 49-year-old Kenosha man already in jail is facing new felony charges after prosecutors say he smashed open a laundromat coin machine with a fire extinguisher and made off with a bag of coins in a pre-dawn burglary. Epstein D. Scott was charged Thursday with felony criminal damage to property and misdemeanor entry into a locked coin box, both as

Kenosha woman accused of beating 15-year-old son with bat held on $5,000 bail

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 52-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after allegedly assaulting her 15-year-old son with both her hands and a baseball bat during an argument over money. Ericka Menee Jackson-Morning was charged Thursday with physical abuse of a child, intentionally causing bodily harm, with a dangerous weapon enhancer. The Class H felony carries a maximum sentence of up to

Plus +

Bar Rescue Couple Back in Court Following Twin Domestic Charges

Nicole M. Lehman, 42, of Somers in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Just two months after a bizarre domestic disturbance that ended with her being dragged out of her home after an encounter with deputies where she was allegedly naked, reality TV bar owner Nicole Lehman returned to court Thursday on fresh charges—and with a familiar face

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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