New District Attorney Has Busy First Day

Copied!
Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis In His Office Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis had a busy first day today. He went to several court hearings, met with victims, staff, and defense attorneys. He graciously granted KCE a short interview.

Paid Advertisement

Solis, a graduate of Parkside, went to law school at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. (It is now known as University of Illinois in Chicago.) He was admitted into the Wisconsin BAR in 2013 and worked for another attorney for a year. Since then, he’s been working for himself, mostly as a criminal defense attorney. He also practiced family law, juvenile law, CHIPS, TPR, and some civil law.

Paid Advertisement

“Today seemed like an ordinary day for me, not surreal. I have a great staff and the reception was welcoming. They have been a big help with the transition,” said Solis.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis In His Office Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Solis tapped DA staffer, Ashley Bermudez, as his paralegal. “She’s been extremely diligent in getting everything ready for me to start this new career.” Indeed, Solis had his name on the door, a state-issued laptop, swipe card, business cards, and everything he needs to begin his duty. As we were talking, she came into the office with tomorrow’s schedule. It was a mountain of papers.

Paid Advertisement
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Solis says that like prior DAs, he will take some cases personally, but wants to get everything in order first. The office had about eight prosecutors resign in the last couple of months, but he’s not worried. “We’ve sent three offer letters out and have already had one accept as a Assistant District Attorney. He was hired and is starting later this month.” Another vacancy, a victim witness advocate, had more than 30 applicants. “People are eager to work here,” said Solis. “I’m happy about that.”

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis In His Office Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

In an office with barren walls, absent of family photos or decorations, Solis said that decorating his office will have to wait. “My first priority is getting fully staffed. I feel very humbled and honored that the voters put their trust in me and I’m feeling a lot of support from the community, confidence from the community, for me to do this job. I have received many communications from individuals in the community wishing me the best of luck on my first day,” said Solis.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis In His Office Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

As for leadership style, Solis said he will not be a micro-manager, but says he won’t be scared to intervene when he feels justice isn’t being done consistent to his vision. About five attorneys have expressed interest in coming aboard the Kenosha County DA’s Office as prosecutors. Also, many college students want to work for Solis when they graduate and many want to intern until then.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis In His Office Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Socks Gifted by Kat Woods)

Solis said that violent crime, dangerous drugs, and organized retail thefts that harm small businesses are a big part of his priority. Simple possession of marijuana won’t be a big priority for this office. We don’t make the laws but we have discretion. I don’t want to try these minor cases.

(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Part of why Solis isn’t feeling overwhelmed, is because he says his # 2 is a great prosecutor and leader. Today, Solis officially made Drew Burgoyne the Deputy District Attorney. Both members of the DA’s staff, and the defense bar, both praised the decision to hire Burgoyne. One lawyer told KCE, “when you have both sides happy with your pick, you know it must be a good one.”

When asked if outgoing DA Mike Graveley (D) was helpful with the transition, Solis seemed to take the high road, not wanting to admit that Graveley “punched out” weeks ago, as KCE has been told.

Solis has a modest wish list for the County Board. “I would like a small amount of resources for some of our support staff like laptops for the paralegals. I also am open to the idea of folks working from home here and there. They know their jobs and I trust them to get the work done.

“I’m glad to be here, and I’m excited to do the people’s work to make Kenosha County a safe place for residents and visitors.”

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Daycare Worker Accused of Abusing Toddler Held on $10,000 Bail; Mother Speaks Out Against Owner

Nour Althafiri, 26, of Waukegan, Ill.(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A daycare employee accused of abusing a 2-year-old boy at a Kenosha childcare center is being held in the Kenosha County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, while the child’s mother is speaking publicly for the first time—accusing the daycare owner of dishonesty and damage control. You must be logged in to view

Kenosha Man Charged With Hit-and-Run After Crash Injures Woman, Child Present

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 76-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that injured a woman traveling with her young daughter. Glenn Nagel Love was formally charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court Thursday with one count of hit and run causing injury. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Love’s cash bond at $1,000. A preliminary

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged with Fleeing Police After Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Donta D. Buckles, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with a prior felony record is facing a new charge after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and then fleeing from police in a black SUV late last month. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Racine Cop Allowed to Quietly Resign Amid Felony Misconduct Allegations

Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, who admitted to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars and was the subject of a felony misconduct investigation, is no longer employed by the department—but not because he was terminated. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Allegedly Attacks Partner, Blocks 911 Call While Children Watch

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges after prosecutors say he physically assaulted the mother of his child during a domestic dispute and tried to stop two of her children from calling 911—all while his 5-year-old daughter watched the violence unfold.

Categories
Archives
Authors

27 Responses

  1. After 100 years, time to show the Dem’s how to utilize the law to protect the Kenosha County Taxpayers. Thanks Kevin for your support, Xavier time to shine.

    41
    11
  2. I still am beside myself at how many prosectors quit because of this election. The wording of the laws have not changed due to an election. Why were those prosecutors so partial? They should be mandated to do an exit interview before being allowed to prosecute anywhere else in WI with a walkout/strike such as that. If 50 cops , fireman, nurses, or teachers quit, they would give an explanation as to what egregious thing they’re fleeing.

    25
    5
    1. Glad they are gone. Even you recognize they had a political bias so why waste tome with an exit interview. It would accomplish nothing.

      13
      7
      1. Agreed.
        It’s obvious as to why they quit.
        Change of philosophy.
        No different than not dating someone who doesn’t have similar beliefs in politics or religion.

        We all should be thankful they left.

        Because It also proves the point that this particular office had bias employees that couldn’t separate their personal beliefs from their work life.
        Of all professions, those in the justice system, especially in local offices, should be the most neutral in how they conduct themselves.
        This is the closest you get to the common man on the street seeking fair justice.

        9
        3
        1. DA is a thankless grossly underpaid job. Thank you Xavier for going to bat for us. It’s obviously a selfless act. He could be making substantially better money in the private sector. As well as Police. Thankless. Underpaid. Hence a huge shortage of both.

          10
          4
    2. That’s okay. They show their allegiance with their feet. Not true prosecutors. This way Solis did not need to fire them.

  3. Make Kenosha Great Again Sir ,
    Do what you Promised in your election campaign, and you will do great things

    thank you

    12
    7
  4. I would love to work for the DA. I’ve tried so many times to work there and never had the opportunity. Solis please create a pt position with flexible hours

    2
    2
  5. It will definitely be interesting to see if Solis takes up some of the cases that have been brought to the attention of the citizens of Kenosha, such as Berg’s criminal schemes, Baby River, and the Kmiec Crime Family.

    We should soon know if he’s going to serve the letter of the law & will of the people, or if he’s going to be another do-nothing Kenosha politician like Kerkman & Zoerner.

    8
    3
    1. Lmao, who would dislike this besides Berg, Kerkman, or Zoerner.

      Everyone else sees you people for what you are 👀

      6
      2
  6. Xavier, all these pedophiles need to serve time, zero tolerance! Don’t let KUSD continue like this, set some examples please!

  7. I thought it was funny seeing that the twin lakes chief take a photo op with DA Solis, as she was a huge Carly McNeil supporter. Careful Mr. DA…..snakes in the weeds.

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Daycare Worker Accused of Abusing Toddler Held on $10,000 Bail; Mother Speaks Out Against Owner

Nour Althafiri, 26, of Waukegan, Ill.(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A daycare employee accused of abusing a 2-year-old boy at a Kenosha childcare center is being held in the Kenosha County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, while the child’s mother is speaking publicly for the first time—accusing the daycare owner of dishonesty and damage control. You must be logged in to view

Kenosha Man Charged With Hit-and-Run After Crash Injures Woman, Child Present

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 76-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that injured a woman traveling with her young daughter. Glenn Nagel Love was formally charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court Thursday with one count of hit and run causing injury. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Love’s cash bond at $1,000. A preliminary

Plus +

Man Accused of Exposing Himself, Assaulting Officer at Hospital After Bar Disturbance

Joseph M. Cerone, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 29-year-old Kenosha man is facing six criminal charges after police say he caused a disturbance at a local bar, exposed himself in an emergency room, and kicked a police officer during an altercation at the hospital. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged with Fleeing Police After Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Donta D. Buckles, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with a prior felony record is facing a new charge after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and then fleeing from police in a black SUV late last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Racine Cop Allowed to Quietly Resign Amid Felony Misconduct Allegations

Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, who admitted to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars and was the subject of a felony misconduct investigation, is no longer employed by the department—but not because he was terminated. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Allegedly Attacks Partner, Blocks 911 Call While Children Watch

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges after prosecutors say he physically assaulted the mother of his child during a domestic dispute and tried to stop two of her children from calling 911—all while his 5-year-old daughter watched the violence unfold.

Kenosha Man Charged in Brutal October Assault That Left Victim Hospitalized With Broken Jaw

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man has been charged with felony battery after allegedly punching another man in the mouth during a verbal dispute, causing severe injuries that required hospitalization and surgery. Daryl L. Scott was formally charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with one count of substantial battery, a Class I felony. According to court records, Scott was not arrested

Plus +

Driver Arrested After 120 MPH Police Chase from Kenosha to Illinois

Ramiro J. Diaz, 19, of Zion, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 19-year-old Zion, Illinois man is facing multiple felony charges in Kenosha County after allegedly leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase that reached speeds of over 120 miles per hour and forced oncoming traffic off the road. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Daycare Worker Arrested for Child Abuse After State, Local Investigation

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Waukegan woman was arrested Tuesday following a weeks-long investigation into the alleged abuse of a 2-year-old boy at a Kenosha daycare center. Nour Al Thafir, an employee of Rising Stars Academy Day Care at 5602 75th Street, was taken into custody by Kenosha Police and booked into the Kenosha County Jail on one count of child abuse. She

Plus +

Judge Gabriele to Hear Motions to Raise Bail in Kenosha Cold Case Murder; Legal Community Watching Closely

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Angelina Gabriele(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Judge Angelina Gabriele will preside over upcoming hearings in the high-profile cold case homicide of David Vanderzee, where Kenosha County prosecutors are seeking to double the bond for both defendants to $1 million each. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Accused Cold Case Killer Released After Posting $500K Bail; Community Reacts with Unease

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Just hours after making her initial appearance in court and being handed a $500,000 cash bond, Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins walked free from the Kenosha County Jail Monday evening. According to jail records, Vanderzee-Collins posted the full cash amount at 6:49 p.m. and was released from custody shortly thereafter. Vanderzee-Collins, 70, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to

Laughter, Criticism, and Dissent Now Banned in Salem Lakes as Board Pushes Through “Dictator Ordinance”

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Laughter, criticism of board members or staff, and even passionate dissent are no longer welcome at public meetings in Salem Lakes. On Monday night, the Village Board voted 6–1 to enact a sweeping crackdown on public speech, adopting one of the most restrictive comment policies in the state. Dubbed by residents as the “Gestapo ordinance” or “Dictator ordinance,” the

Plus +

Kenosha Man Held on $150,000 Bail in Child Sexual Assault Case

Jefferson Picazo-Rodriguez, 30, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 30-year-old Kenosha man is being held on $150,000 cash bail after being charged with repeated sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl over the course of more than a year, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Monday. You must be

Plus +

Man Charged With Bail Jumping After Skipping Jury Trial in Sexual Assault

Michael L. Uttech, 34, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man who failed to appear for his scheduled jury trial last month on sexual assault charges is now facing two new charges of misdemeanor bail jumping. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Inmates Charged After Jail Cell Sparks, Contraband and Damage Reported

KENOSHA, Wis. – Three inmates housed in the Kenosha County Jail were criminally charged Tuesday following a chaotic incident that damaged a jail cell, violated institutional rules, and, according to investigators, could have led to a dangerous fire. Gerald J. Watson, 38, faces the most serious allegation: a felony count of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. Prosecutors say he used exposed electrical wiring in

Kenosha Woman Accused of Swinging at Officer in Hospital Disturbance

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 35-year-old Kenosha woman is facing felony charges after allegedly swinging her fist at a police officer during a confrontation inside Froedtert South Hospital’s urgent care wing over the weekend. Jamie L. Turner was formally charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with Attempted Battery to a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer, and Disorderly Conduct — all with repeater

Plus +

Silver Lake Man Charged with Felony After Allegedly Injuring Deputy During Arrest

Jake S. Strazzanti, 32, of Silver Lake SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Silver Lake man already facing misdemeanor charges from a December incident was hit with a felony Tuesday after prosecutors say he injured a Kenosha County deputy while violently resisting arrest. He was recently found competent to stand trial, allowing both cases to move forward. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Cold Case Co-Defendant Appears in Court, Claims Medical Hardship; Judge Sets $500K Bail

Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, 70, of McHenry, Ill in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — The woman accused of conspiring with her secret lover to murder her husband more than two decades ago appeared in a Kenosha County courtroom Monday afternoon, where her defense attorney pleaded for leniency based on her age, medical needs, and role as a full-time

Plus +

Sgt. Hard Busted Again: Andy Berg to Face Judge Over Unpaid Child Support

Andy “Sgt. Hard” Berg – Disgraced Politician, Fired Corrections Sergeant, and Amature Porn Star(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Former Kenosha County Board Supervisor Andy Berg—better known by his pornographic stage name “Sgt. Hard”—is headed back to court next month, this time for allegedly failing to support his own child. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Activist Probation Agent Petitions Judge to End Sentence Early for Steinbrink Jr.

John Steinbrink, Jr(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Less than three weeks after completing a jail sentence for corruption, former Pleasant Prairie Public Works Director John Steinbrink Jr. is now seeking to terminate his probation early — a move that is raising eyebrows across Kenosha County. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Outta Sight Kite Flight Returns to Kenosha Lakefront This Weekend

KENOSHA, Wis. – Hundreds of kites will take flight above Lake Michigan this weekend as the Outta Sight Kite Flight returns for its 22nd year, bringing vibrant colors, high-flying stunts and family fun to Kennedy Park. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, at 4051 Fifth Ave. A grand launch of hundreds

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged with Endangering Children, Pointing Gun During Domestic Dispute

Tevin D. Hamilton, 28, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing more than a decade behind bars after prosecutors charged him with a long list of felonies and misdemeanors stemming from an alleged armed domestic disturbance that endangered multiple children. Authorities say the incident also led to the discovery of drugs,

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Daycare Worker Accused of Abusing Toddler Held on $10,000 Bail; Mother Speaks Out Against Owner

Nour Althafiri, 26, of Waukegan, Ill.(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A daycare employee accused of abusing a 2-year-old boy at a Kenosha childcare center is being held in the Kenosha County Jail on $10,000 cash bail, while the child’s mother is speaking publicly for the first time—accusing the daycare owner of dishonesty and damage control. You must be logged in to view

Kenosha Man Charged With Hit-and-Run After Crash Injures Woman, Child Present

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 76-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that injured a woman traveling with her young daughter. Glenn Nagel Love was formally charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court Thursday with one count of hit and run causing injury. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Love’s cash bond at $1,000. A preliminary

Plus +

Man Accused of Exposing Himself, Assaulting Officer at Hospital After Bar Disturbance

Joseph M. Cerone, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 29-year-old Kenosha man is facing six criminal charges after police say he caused a disturbance at a local bar, exposed himself in an emergency room, and kicked a police officer during an altercation at the hospital. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged with Fleeing Police After Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Donta D. Buckles, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with a prior felony record is facing a new charge after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and then fleeing from police in a black SUV late last month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Racine Cop Allowed to Quietly Resign Amid Felony Misconduct Allegations

Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, who admitted to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars and was the subject of a felony misconduct investigation, is no longer employed by the department—but not because he was terminated. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Man Allegedly Attacks Partner, Blocks 911 Call While Children Watch

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing serious felony charges after prosecutors say he physically assaulted the mother of his child during a domestic dispute and tried to stop two of her children from calling 911—all while his 5-year-old daughter watched the violence unfold.

Kenosha Man Charged in Brutal October Assault That Left Victim Hospitalized With Broken Jaw

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man has been charged with felony battery after allegedly punching another man in the mouth during a verbal dispute, causing severe injuries that required hospitalization and surgery. Daryl L. Scott was formally charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with one count of substantial battery, a Class I felony. According to court records, Scott was not arrested

Plus +

Driver Arrested After 120 MPH Police Chase from Kenosha to Illinois

Ramiro J. Diaz, 19, of Zion, Ill(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 19-year-old Zion, Illinois man is facing multiple felony charges in Kenosha County after allegedly leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase that reached speeds of over 120 miles per hour and forced oncoming traffic off the road. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Daycare Worker Arrested for Child Abuse After State, Local Investigation

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Waukegan woman was arrested Tuesday following a weeks-long investigation into the alleged abuse of a 2-year-old boy at a Kenosha daycare center. Nour Al Thafir, an employee of Rising Stars Academy Day Care at 5602 75th Street, was taken into custody by Kenosha Police and booked into the Kenosha County Jail on one count of child abuse. She

Plus +

Judge Gabriele to Hear Motions to Raise Bail in Kenosha Cold Case Murder; Legal Community Watching Closely

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Angelina Gabriele(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Judge Angelina Gabriele will preside over upcoming hearings in the high-profile cold case homicide of David Vanderzee, where Kenosha County prosecutors are seeking to double the bond for both defendants to $1 million each. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Accused Cold Case Killer Released After Posting $500K Bail; Community Reacts with Unease

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Just hours after making her initial appearance in court and being handed a $500,000 cash bond, Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins walked free from the Kenosha County Jail Monday evening. According to jail records, Vanderzee-Collins posted the full cash amount at 6:49 p.m. and was released from custody shortly thereafter. Vanderzee-Collins, 70, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to

Laughter, Criticism, and Dissent Now Banned in Salem Lakes as Board Pushes Through “Dictator Ordinance”

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Laughter, criticism of board members or staff, and even passionate dissent are no longer welcome at public meetings in Salem Lakes. On Monday night, the Village Board voted 6–1 to enact a sweeping crackdown on public speech, adopting one of the most restrictive comment policies in the state. Dubbed by residents as the “Gestapo ordinance” or “Dictator ordinance,” the

Plus +

Kenosha Man Held on $150,000 Bail in Child Sexual Assault Case

Jefferson Picazo-Rodriguez, 30, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 30-year-old Kenosha man is being held on $150,000 cash bail after being charged with repeated sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl over the course of more than a year, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Monday. You must be

Plus +

Man Charged With Bail Jumping After Skipping Jury Trial in Sexual Assault

Michael L. Uttech, 34, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man who failed to appear for his scheduled jury trial last month on sexual assault charges is now facing two new charges of misdemeanor bail jumping. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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