Drunken Crash Leads to Multiple Felony Charges in Pleasant Prairie

Copied!
Rashan H. Romaine (49) of Kenosha
(Kenosha County Sheriff)

Pleasant Prairie, Wis. – A Kenosha man, 49‐year-old Rashan H. Romaine, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following a head-on collision on Sheridan Road on February 21, 2025. Romaine now faces charges including Operating While Intoxicated (5th), Hit and Run (Injury), Operating a Vehicle While Revoked, Resisting an Officer Causing Soft Tissue Injury, and Possession of Drugs, with prosecutors warning that a conviction could result in over a decade behind bars.

Paid Advertisement

Incident Details

According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 6:17 p.m. in the 11500 block of Sheridan Road, where police were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision involving a Toyota Camry and a GMC Sierra. Upon arrival, officers found both lanes of the road blocked by the heavily damaged vehicles. A female driver, later identified on record as “Emily J. Porter,” was discovered seated outside her car, visibly upset and complaining of head pain. She was quickly transported by Pleasant Prairie Fire Rescue for evaluation at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.

Paid Advertisement

Investigators allege that while Porter was emerging from the parking lot with her vehicle after dinner, the two vehicles collided head-on. Bystanders noted that a male driver fled from his truck immediately after the incident, leaving little evidence behind until further investigation by local law enforcement.

Paid Advertisement

Arrest and Confrontation

Officers soon located Romaine, identified as the driver of the GMC Sierra, while he was attempting to flee the scene. During the arrest, Romaine allegedly resisted law enforcement. One officer sustained a thumb injury while attempting to secure him—a wound serious enough to require follow-up treatment by an orthopedic specialist.

Paid Advertisement

Witnesses and officers on the scene described a chaotic atmosphere, with one reporting a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from Romaine as he blamed the crash on another driver swerving into his lane. In the midst of the arrest, officers recovered a 200ml bottle of Hennessey from the vehicle, as well as a package containing approximately 14.7 grams of a green leafy substance later identified as THC. Additional evidence later revealed that Romaine’s Wisconsin driving privileges had been revoked on July 13, 2023, following a previous OWI conviction.

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

A Controversial Past

The case has drawn further public attention due to separate allegations from a woman, who—choosing to remain anonymous and identified in this report as “Jane Doe”—claims to have been a victim of sexual assault by Romaine in an earlier incident. “I’m sleeping better knowing he’s finally behind bars,” she told KCE. The sexual assault charge, however, was dropped last year by former ADA Alexandra Smathers (D) without public explanation, a decision that has sparked controversy and concern among community members and advocates alike.

Paid Advertisement

Court Proceedings

Romaine’s cash bail was set at $10,000 by Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II. As the investigation continues, legal experts note that the combination of new charges and his extensive prior record—including multiple instances of license revocation and convictions dating back to 2002—could result in a lengthy prison sentence if he is ultimately convicted.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

One Dead, One Hospitalized After Burglary Turns Deadly in Racine

RACINE, Wis. — A 52-year-old man is dead and a 21-year-old man remains hospitalized following a late-night shooting that stemmed from an apparent burglary on Racine’s north side. Police were called to the 800 block of St. Patrick Street at approximately 11:26 p.m. on Friday, July 11, for reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located two males—ages 52 and 21—both suffering from gunshot

Behind the Walls: Restoration of Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom Unveils Hidden History

KENOSHA, Wis. – Tucked behind dust-covered scaffolding and protective plastic sheeting, craftsmen are peeling back the past in Kenosha’s century-old Courthouse. The building’s grandest space—the Ceremonial Courtroom—is undergoing a meticulous historic restoration, revealing architectural gems hidden from public view for more than half a century. Once adorned with an inlaid glass skylight and intricate ornamental plasterwork, the room was largely concealed in the

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

DA Solis Charges Former Racine Cop in $16,000+ Embezzlement Scheme

Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson was charged today, July 11, 2025, with two felony counts following an investigation into allegations that he defrauded the Racine Unified School District of more than $16,000 while assigned as a school resource officer. You

Plus +

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Possessing Child Pornography, Held on $100K Bail

Nathan Bernard Fox, 21, of Paddock Lake in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. – A 21-year-old Paddock Lake man is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he uploaded and stored disturbing images and videos of child sexual abuse—including both real and animated depictions—on

Ajay Pierangeli Sentenced to 30 Years in Fatal OWI Crash That Killed Two Friends

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two years after a drunk driving crash killed two college students and shattered two families, Ajay Gregory Pierangeli was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for the deaths of Dylan Zamora and Jenna Barrette. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Anthony Milisauskas handed down the sentence in

Plus +

Enwright to Challenge Jail Sentence, Files Notice of Postconviction Relief

Christian James Enwright, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) Kenosha, Wis. — Less than two weeks after being sentenced to 15 months in jail for grooming a middle school student, former Kenosha teacher Christian J. Enwright has formally initiated a legal challenge to the punishment. You must be logged in to

Categories
Archives
Authors

11 Responses

  1. I’ll bet at court he will say he was turning his life around, needs another chance.
    Lock him up and throw away the key

    10
    1
  2. Shame on Smathers! She allowed a sicko to roam free and now he’s hurt even more people. How does she even sleep at night?

      1. I wouldn’t even want to be around another “man” in my opinion. she could have a Big guard dog with a bite force of 750psi for protection now, for all we know!??!!!

  3. Former Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Smathers (D) who had the final say in hiring her for court Commissioner?

  4. Wow! This town is turning into a real shit hole!! KUSD, DA, the judges, they’re all in on it!! Elon needs to check out Kenosha County!!

    2
    1
  5. Investigate before posting. He was actually hit. And the due diligence of the police messed up the charges. Cry baby pleasant prairie and someone got their finger hurt. I saw the body cam. This is a joke. The man arrested, was hit cause the lady was on the wrong side only the road. But let’s continue to talk about a man no one here knows. He complied, as seen on body cam, but everyone wants to crucify someone they don’t know. He was found not guilty in the sexual assault charges, why???, because the “victim” texted other people to LIE to the court. This is why it was dismissed, not because the DA did anything wrong. Using a man to justify this bs should be double and triple checked. People need to fact check before offering an opinion.

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS

One Dead, One Hospitalized After Burglary Turns Deadly in Racine

RACINE, Wis. — A 52-year-old man is dead and a 21-year-old man remains hospitalized following a late-night shooting that stemmed from an apparent burglary on Racine’s north side. Police were called to the 800 block of St. Patrick Street at approximately 11:26 p.m. on Friday, July 11, for reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located two males—ages 52 and 21—both suffering from gunshot

Behind the Walls: Restoration of Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom Unveils Hidden History

KENOSHA, Wis. – Tucked behind dust-covered scaffolding and protective plastic sheeting, craftsmen are peeling back the past in Kenosha’s century-old Courthouse. The building’s grandest space—the Ceremonial Courtroom—is undergoing a meticulous historic restoration, revealing architectural gems hidden from public view for more than half a century. Once adorned with an inlaid glass skylight and intricate ornamental plasterwork, the room was largely concealed in the

Plus +

DA Solis Charges Former Racine Cop in $16,000+ Embezzlement Scheme

Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson was charged today, July 11, 2025, with two felony counts following an investigation into allegations that he defrauded the Racine Unified School District of more than $16,000 while assigned as a school resource officer. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Possessing Child Pornography, Held on $100K Bail

Nathan Bernard Fox, 21, of Paddock Lake in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. – A 21-year-old Paddock Lake man is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he uploaded and stored disturbing images and videos of child sexual abuse—including both real and animated depictions—on his devices and social media accounts. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Accused of Firing Gun at Kenosha Party, Faces Drug-Dealing Charges After Search Warrant

Michael B. Beals Jr., 20, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he fired a gun during a large party and was later found with packaged cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and bullets in his home. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Ajay Pierangeli Sentenced to 30 Years in Fatal OWI Crash That Killed Two Friends

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two years after a drunk driving crash killed two college students and shattered two families, Ajay Gregory Pierangeli was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for the deaths of Dylan Zamora and Jenna Barrette. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Anthony Milisauskas handed down the sentence in a packed courtroom, ordering 15 years of initial confinement for each victim—Zamora and

Big Beautiful Building Opens at Kenosha County Fairgrounds With Packed Fish Fry, Bags Tournament

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A crowd of more than 100 people gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the first official event inside the Kenosha County Fairgrounds’ newest attraction — a massive, permanent structure affectionately being called the “Big Beautiful Building.” The building — which will serve as a multi-use hub for the fair and year-round events — is finally complete after a long planning

Plus +

Enwright to Challenge Jail Sentence, Files Notice of Postconviction Relief

Christian James Enwright, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) Kenosha, Wis. — Less than two weeks after being sentenced to 15 months in jail for grooming a middle school student, former Kenosha teacher Christian J. Enwright has formally initiated a legal challenge to the punishment. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Pleasant Prairie Man Charged With Misdemeanor For Sexually Assaulting Young Woman

Jay P. Sokolovsky, 51, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 51-year-old Pleasant Prairie man accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman has been released from jail after posting the statutory $550 cash bail the same day he was arrested. Pleasant Priaire Police referred the case to the Kenosha DA’s Office as a fourth degree sexual assault. You must

Salem Lakes Administrator Pushes Massive Borrowing Plan, Faces Backlash From Public and Two Trustees

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Facing mounting public distrust and growing budget pressures, Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller (D) on Tuesday night unveiled a long-term capital improvement plan that would rely on borrowing—potentially millions of dollars—requiring residents to foot the bill for years to come through increased property taxes. At a budget workshop, Hiller and consultant Todd Taves from Ehlers Finance pitched the 30-year plan

Plus +

Guilty on All Counts: Jury Convicts Myron Bowie of Attempted Murder for Setting Mother of His Children on Fire

Myron Faith Bowie, 38, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – On the third and final day of Myron Faith Bowie’s jury trial, a Kenosha County jury returned guilty verdicts on all seven counts, convicting him of trying to burn the mother of his children alive while their four kids slept nearby. You must be

Sir Robert E. Ibsen Honored as Hometown Hero for Second Quarter

KENOSHA, Wis. – The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission has named Sir Robert E. Ibsen as the 2025 Hometown Hero for the second quarter. He was recognized during the July 7 Common Council meeting for his exemplary military service and lifelong contributions to the Kenosha community. Ibsen, now 97, served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Chief Personnelman (E-7).

Plus +

Both Defendants Now Free on Bail in Cold Case Vanderzee Murder

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — More than 20 years after the execution-style killing of David Vanderzee, the two people accused of orchestrating his murder are now both free on bail. On Tuesday night, John Viskocil posted the $500,000 cash bond set by Commissioner William Michel II and was released from the Kenosha County Jail. His co-defendant and former lover, Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, posted the same

Man Charged With Felony Victim Intimidation After Domestic Disturbance

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he grabbed a woman by the neck, tried to prevent her from calling police, and took her handgun during a domestic dispute over the weekend. Waymond Moronte Parker was formally charged Wednesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony intimidation of a victim and misdemeanor disorderly conduct,

Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant and Winery Coming to Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A new Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant and Winery is officially on its way to the Village of Pleasant Prairie, following unanimous approval from the Plan Commission on Monday. The development will rise near the southwest corner of Highway 50 (75th Street) and 115th Avenue, where petitioner Steven Bersell, on behalf of property owner FRED–Northwest Lot 4 LLC, received approval for

Two-Time Felon Caught with Cocaine, Marijuana, and Scale During Late-Night Traffic Stop

KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with prior felony and drug convictions is facing four new charges—including one for smuggling drugs into the jail—after a sheriff’s deputy found cocaine, marijuana, and packaging materials during a late-night traffic stop on Highway 50. Darrin J. McGee, 28, was formally charged Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with four felonies: possession with intent to deliver cocaine

Plus +

Two Men Busted with Cocaine, Gun—and a Bag That Said ‘Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs’

Edward W. Kaelber III and Stephen J. Cicchini, 37, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A simple warrant arrest turned into a scene straight out of a bad comedy script Monday after Pleasant Prairie police stopped a maroon Ford F-150 and discovered drugs, a gun, and a cloth bag that screamed irony: “Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs.” Pleasant

City Warns Residents About Fake Invoices Claiming to Be from Planning Commission

KENOSHA, Wis. – City officials are warning residents and business owners to watch out for fraudulent invoices that falsely appear to come from the City of Kenosha’s Planning Commission. The scam invoices reference zoning or permit-related work that was never approved or completed. They often include bogus due dates, demand immediate payment via wire transfers, and list unfamiliar addresses or accounts. Some even

Plus +

Fake Eye Doctor Accused of Drunk Driving, Threatening Police—$10,000 Bail Set

Lee L. Hagopian, 56, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man with a notorious history of posing as an eye doctor is facing new felony charges after police say he drove drunk, crashed into another car, and threatened to assault an officer—all while out on bond in two other criminal cases. You must

Plus +

OWI 6th Offense: Burlington Woman Accused of Drunk Driving in Twin Lakes

Viviana Avila, 32, of Burlington in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) TWIN LAKES, Wis. – A 32-year-old Burlington woman appeared in court Tuesday and was charged with her sixth offense of operating while intoxicated, after allegedly driving erratically in a residential neighborhood while intoxicated and revoked. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Repeat Sex Offender Seeks to Plead Guilty to New Jail Assault Charges

Dale H. Lassiter, 29, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man with a long criminal history appeared in court Tuesday on two new cases stemming from separate incidents inside the Kenosha County Detention Center, telling Commissioner William Michel II that he wished to plead guilty to both cases and represent himself. You must

Plus +

Forgery Suspect Accused of Cashing Stolen IRS Check

Estela Navarro, 44, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 44-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony forgery charge after allegedly cashing a stolen federal tax refund check belonging to her former roommate and pocketing the proceeds. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Attempted Murder Trial Begins for Man Accused of Trying to Burn Mother of His Children Alive

Myron Faith Bowie, 38, of Salem Lakes in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – Jurors watched harrowing body-worn camera footage and heard graphic allegations Monday as the trial of Myron Faith Bowie began in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Prosecutors say Bowie doused the mother of his children in rubbing alcohol and set her on fire while their

LATEST NEWS

One Dead, One Hospitalized After Burglary Turns Deadly in Racine

RACINE, Wis. — A 52-year-old man is dead and a 21-year-old man remains hospitalized following a late-night shooting that stemmed from an apparent burglary on Racine’s north side. Police were called to the 800 block of St. Patrick Street at approximately 11:26 p.m. on Friday, July 11, for reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located two males—ages 52 and 21—both suffering from gunshot

Behind the Walls: Restoration of Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom Unveils Hidden History

KENOSHA, Wis. – Tucked behind dust-covered scaffolding and protective plastic sheeting, craftsmen are peeling back the past in Kenosha’s century-old Courthouse. The building’s grandest space—the Ceremonial Courtroom—is undergoing a meticulous historic restoration, revealing architectural gems hidden from public view for more than half a century. Once adorned with an inlaid glass skylight and intricate ornamental plasterwork, the room was largely concealed in the

Plus +

DA Solis Charges Former Racine Cop in $16,000+ Embezzlement Scheme

Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson KENOSHA, Wis. – Former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson was charged today, July 11, 2025, with two felony counts following an investigation into allegations that he defrauded the Racine Unified School District of more than $16,000 while assigned as a school resource officer. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Paddock Lake Man Accused of Possessing Child Pornography, Held on $100K Bail

Nathan Bernard Fox, 21, of Paddock Lake in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. – A 21-year-old Paddock Lake man is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he uploaded and stored disturbing images and videos of child sexual abuse—including both real and animated depictions—on his devices and social media accounts. You must be logged in to view

Plus +

Man Accused of Firing Gun at Kenosha Party, Faces Drug-Dealing Charges After Search Warrant

Michael B. Beals Jr., 20, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he fired a gun during a large party and was later found with packaged cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and bullets in his home. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Ajay Pierangeli Sentenced to 30 Years in Fatal OWI Crash That Killed Two Friends

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two years after a drunk driving crash killed two college students and shattered two families, Ajay Gregory Pierangeli was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for the deaths of Dylan Zamora and Jenna Barrette. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Anthony Milisauskas handed down the sentence in a packed courtroom, ordering 15 years of initial confinement for each victim—Zamora and

Big Beautiful Building Opens at Kenosha County Fairgrounds With Packed Fish Fry, Bags Tournament

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A crowd of more than 100 people gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the first official event inside the Kenosha County Fairgrounds’ newest attraction — a massive, permanent structure affectionately being called the “Big Beautiful Building.” The building — which will serve as a multi-use hub for the fair and year-round events — is finally complete after a long planning

Plus +

Enwright to Challenge Jail Sentence, Files Notice of Postconviction Relief

Christian James Enwright, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) Kenosha, Wis. — Less than two weeks after being sentenced to 15 months in jail for grooming a middle school student, former Kenosha teacher Christian J. Enwright has formally initiated a legal challenge to the punishment. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Pleasant Prairie Man Charged With Misdemeanor For Sexually Assaulting Young Woman

Jay P. Sokolovsky, 51, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 51-year-old Pleasant Prairie man accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman has been released from jail after posting the statutory $550 cash bail the same day he was arrested. Pleasant Priaire Police referred the case to the Kenosha DA’s Office as a fourth degree sexual assault. You must

Salem Lakes Administrator Pushes Massive Borrowing Plan, Faces Backlash From Public and Two Trustees

SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Facing mounting public distrust and growing budget pressures, Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller (D) on Tuesday night unveiled a long-term capital improvement plan that would rely on borrowing—potentially millions of dollars—requiring residents to foot the bill for years to come through increased property taxes. At a budget workshop, Hiller and consultant Todd Taves from Ehlers Finance pitched the 30-year plan

Plus +

Guilty on All Counts: Jury Convicts Myron Bowie of Attempted Murder for Setting Mother of His Children on Fire

Myron Faith Bowie, 38, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – On the third and final day of Myron Faith Bowie’s jury trial, a Kenosha County jury returned guilty verdicts on all seven counts, convicting him of trying to burn the mother of his children alive while their four kids slept nearby. You must be

Sir Robert E. Ibsen Honored as Hometown Hero for Second Quarter

KENOSHA, Wis. – The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission has named Sir Robert E. Ibsen as the 2025 Hometown Hero for the second quarter. He was recognized during the July 7 Common Council meeting for his exemplary military service and lifelong contributions to the Kenosha community. Ibsen, now 97, served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Chief Personnelman (E-7).

Plus +

Both Defendants Now Free on Bail in Cold Case Vanderzee Murder

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — More than 20 years after the execution-style killing of David Vanderzee, the two people accused of orchestrating his murder are now both free on bail. On Tuesday night, John Viskocil posted the $500,000 cash bond set by Commissioner William Michel II and was released from the Kenosha County Jail. His co-defendant and former lover, Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, posted the same

Man Charged With Felony Victim Intimidation After Domestic Disturbance

KENOSHA, Wis. – A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he grabbed a woman by the neck, tried to prevent her from calling police, and took her handgun during a domestic dispute over the weekend. Waymond Moronte Parker was formally charged Wednesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony intimidation of a victim and misdemeanor disorderly conduct,

Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant and Winery Coming to Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A new Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant and Winery is officially on its way to the Village of Pleasant Prairie, following unanimous approval from the Plan Commission on Monday. The development will rise near the southwest corner of Highway 50 (75th Street) and 115th Avenue, where petitioner Steven Bersell, on behalf of property owner FRED–Northwest Lot 4 LLC, received approval for

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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