A Kenosha Judge has ordered the release of 16-year-old Martel Lee this morning. In a courtroom filled to capacity last week, a Judge Dougvillo 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.

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In court today, outgoing Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Smathers (D) stuck to her “win at all costs” approached and asked for Lee to be kept in custody for another year or two, until a possible second trial occurs. Since she plans to appeal, it could be longer. Oddly, Smathers made reference to Lee’s tattoos and his family’s Tik Tok videos as a reason to keep Lee behind bars.

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Martel’s new attorneys are Carl Johnson and Patrick Cafferty. Johnson made note of the lack of strength of the State’s case and the packed courtroom full of supporters of Lee.

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Judge Dougvillo also mentioned some of the case’s weaknesses such as a lack of physical evidence. Dougvillo noted that he has not just heard argument, but actually witnesses the trial and heard from the witnesses. “With all of that and all that information, the court does find it appropriate to modify Mr. Lee’s bond to a $10,000 signature bond,” said Dougvillo.

Dougvillo also ordered a “no contact” with the complaining witness and his family. He also put Lee on a 10:00 p.m. curfew and ordered that he remain in his mother’s care and obey her rules.

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Smathers then mentioned the fact that she will be appealing this case and asked for a date before she leaves the office. The appeal, however will be pursued, or not pursued by incoming DA-Elect Xavier Solis.

The next court date was set for December 18, 2024.

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