Deputy Suspended Over Retaliatory Traffic Stop After Middle Finger Incident

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Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Manuel Mandujano #379
(Kenosha Sheriff)

Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined a deputy who conducted a questionable traffic stop after a driver gave him the middle finger — a gesture protected by the First Amendment.

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Deputy Manuel Mandujano Jr. received a one-day unpaid suspension and mandatory constitutional policing training following an internal investigation into the February 1 incident, which gained traction online after video footage was posted to the “LackLuster” YouTube channel. The footage showed Mandujano initiating a stop on a DoorDash driver after the driver flipped him off while passing in the Village of Bristol.

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According to disciplinary records obtained by Kenosha County Eye through an open records request, Mandujano admitted the gesture angered him and that it influenced his decision to pull the driver over. He initially claimed the driver was going 35 mph in a 45 zone and was “impeding traffic,” but later conceded he did not confirm whether other vehicles were behind the car — a key element of that violation.

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The Sheriff’s Office found that Mandujano failed to establish reasonable suspicion for the stop, instead focusing on what he called a “contemptuous” gesture. “He was fixated on the black SUV and was still upset about the gesture,” the internal memo states. “He second-guessed his rationale for the stop after it had occurred.”

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The department’s report acknowledges that Mandujano was aware — both before and after the stop — that flipping off an officer is not grounds for detention. He told investigators that the driver appeared to be baiting him and that he made a phone call afterward to a fellow deputy to “vent.”

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The incident drew public criticism after the driver posted the dashcam video to YouTube, saying he didn’t press the issue further during the stop because he had food in his car to deliver. In the video, Mandujano questions the driver about the gesture and only briefly references the alleged traffic infraction before letting the driver go.

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Kenosha County’s disciplinary report cited multiple policy violations, including abuse of authority, failure to uphold constitutional rights, and unprofessional conduct. Investigators said Mandujano’s actions were inconsistent with the department’s standards but described him as a generally high-performing deputy.

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“The First Amendment actions of citizens, no matter how contemptuous they may be toward law enforcement, should never elicit this type of reaction,” the report stated.

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In addition to the one-day suspension, Mandujano is required to complete retraining focused on constitutional policing, including First Amendment protections, emotional control, and legal standards for traffic enforcement.

Records also show that Mandujano received two separate training memos in May 2023 for misclassifying squad and body camera footage. In one case involving a felony arrest, three videos were improperly tagged, potentially affecting video retention timelines under state law. A second memo documented similar issues with two videos from a misdemeanor arrest. In both instances, Mandujano was warned that future violations could result in progressive discipline.

While these earlier incidents did not result in formal disciplinary action, supervisors cited them as part of Mandujano’s training history during the February investigation.

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99 Responses

          1. Your a bootlicker that needs to go back to Nazi Germany if you’re gonna allow these pigs to stomp all over our Rights under the United States Constitution.

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    1. Though your description of the doordash driver is correct, and probably even too kind, it is a win in reminding officers of the law, that simply being angry does not give them an excuse a false arrest, ticket, or anything similar. Things happen to me everyday that pissed me off, but if we expect this to be a society worth living in, we need to follow certain rules and how we react. Personally, I would have no problem with a deputy flipping the bird right back to someone, but I’m kind of a hot head and maybe that’s why I’ve never run for sheriff. 🤣🤣🤣

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    1. Constitutionally protected activities do not merit citations. You can still support whoever you want, that’s the beauty of living in the Greatest Nation on God’s Green Earth. Freedom of speech protects speech others disagree with.

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      1. Yeah… Given this deputy’s past history sounds like he’s pretty much a power tripper. Cant have that. So somebody flipped him off big deal.Go after the real criminals!

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    2. You are a fking clown. Move to North Korea if you support the actions of a cop who shit all over the first amendment

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    3. That boot must be tasty booticker, given you are so furiously licking it.

      I for one support the hero doordasher who bravely stood up too the worthless disgusting crook and have him a well deserved humiliation. Remember, there is not such thing as a good cop and it’s our patriotic duty to stand up to crooks and humiliate them whenever we can to keep them humble. I encourage people too look down on cops and insult them whenever they can as only the worst scum of the earth becomes cops or support cops.

  1. Has any Media reached out to DoorDash to get their reaction? It seems to me that, if the Driver remains part of their organization, it indicates that DoorDash Corporate supports on-duty DoorDash employees/contractors randomly abusing Law Enforcement.

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    1. How did he abuse law enforcement🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ flipping someone off is not abuse 🤣🤣

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      1. I was raised by parents who taught me to be respectful of others….particularly those in Law Enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday for us all. Yes….using a hand gesture that means “F*ck You” toward someone legally restricted from a proper response…. is both a cowardly act and a form of abuse.

        I am sorry that your parents failed to instill basic human decency in your approach to others.

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        1. Maybe a cowardly act but no form of abuse detected we have a freedom of speech and he was exercising it reason why the cop is being reprimanded duh

          My parents definitely didn’t fail anything they actually did an amazing job since they taught me enough decency to put love into the world enough that I adopted children that were not mine so before you speak upon anyone know so you don’t make an a*% out of yourself 🤷🏽‍♀️

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          1. The fact that you are raising your children to believe flipping off a police officer is OK says everything I need to know about you.

            1. You are teaching cowardice and hate.
            2. Your kids may rightfully take a good beating if they flip off the wrong person. Your failure as a parent will cause them to learn basic decency the Hard Way…..sadly.

            Be better.

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              1. It was just a finger gesture. Yes, it is his constitutional right to be a prick.

                But it’s also a completely valid question for the folks running DoorDash. You want your drivers flipping off random people? Cops or otherwise? A good look for your business?

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            1. Lmbo I raised some amazing young men FYI very respectful, they give back to their community, one works one has his own business, they are mentors and have an abundance of people that love them so guess what I raise Great men that contribute positivity to the society and I did it all as a single parents..but what I can see from you and your up bring ing is that your parents didn’t teach you how not to be judgmental and think before you speak.. Bad bad trait in life you should worry more about your judgement on others and less about someone being flipped off..

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            2. It is okay to flip off the police. 1st Amendment’s “redress of grievance”

              Is it in poor taste to many? Yes. But still not only legal to do but constitutionally protected.

              You said you are a Republican. Republicans are conservative. Do you have any idea what conservatives want to conserve? Hint: The Constitution!

              So please look up from that shiny boot you’ve been licking and study the caselaw that protected the Door Dash driver.

        2. Parents raised me to respect police officers. I respect most of them. I have had more positive than bad interactions in my life. Cops have to be better than the average citizen. Not losing your shit when someone flips you off is part of the job. Even if that person is a douche. It’s constitutionally protected and every cop should know that.
          I’m thankful for the times KPD has helped my family and others. I won’t name those detectives and officers that did good work.
          Seems like this officer won’t lose his job. Hope he and the rest of the force learns from this.
          I agree it was cowardly. But for an officer it should just roll off of you.

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        3. Is it cowardly for those in law enforcement to stand around in a hallway while 17 elementary school kids are being gunned down? Refer to Uvalde police department.

    2. I doubt that Door Dash will be dumb enough to penalize an employee for exercising his First Amendment rights.

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      1. That is one of the stupidest comments ever. Just because something is constitutional does not mean it is decent or acceptable in any sort of honorable engagement. Picking your nose and thumbing your butt is your constitutional right, but are you going to hire someone that does that during the interview? And if you get comments from customers that they are disgusted by the acitons of the employee for doing those things, are you going to keep them on? I personally hope this driver gets fired and learns to be a more decent person. He is clearly a passive aggessive loser.

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    3. Like that is really going to happen. Doordash doesn’t care who or what transfers your food and how much of it they sample on the way or even throw it on your roof if they decide you didn’t give them enough of a tip.

    4. That boot must be tasty booticker, given you are so furiously licking it.

      I for one support the hero doordasher who bravely stood up too the worthless disgusting crook and have him a well deserved humiliation. Remember, there is not such thing as a good cop and it’s our patriotic duty to stand up to crooks and humiliate them whenever we can to keep them humble. I encourage people too look down on cops and insult them whenever they can as only the worst scum of the earth becomes cops or support cops.

      I do hope that doordash gives him a bonus for so bravely doing his patriotic duty and exercised his rights and told the cop of. Very much a good deed of the day that should be rewarded.

  2. I’ve dealt with this officer in the past. He was professional and all went well. Just a bad judgement move. Sometimes emotions get the best of us

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    1. This is a lack of professionalism and understanding of the “Job”.

      Should police know every law in the book ? No.
      But what happened here is lack of knowledge that is learned in High School. And how important it is.

      As someone who has seen hundreds of these type of videos I would think that these types of videos should be required viewing for all law enforcement personnel. Just an hours worth will explain how you and your department opens themselves up to huge lawsuits and ultimately payouts that us the taxpayers foot the bill for.

      This was exactly what it is, retaliation for a bruised ego. Like fireman, these deputies get paid well for putting their lives on the line.
      They choose this job. If they can’t handle public abuse, legally protected abuse, then leave the profession !
      Kenosha County Sheriff Department, do better !!

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      1. Firemen and deputies are underpaid based on the current Kenosha area job market and cost of living. What they’re starting at now, was decent 10 years ago. Wages of civilian jobs have increased hand over fist during that time. Government processes are slow to react to market conditions.

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        1. Fireman and deputies are like any employee in any market, they are free to leave at any time if they do not feel it is the best career situation for them. They aren’t indentured servants and they don’t get chained to a desk or squad. They can turn in any employer owned property and walk away at any time.

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          1. The one in this article is overpaid. I’d much rather pay for a firefighter who’s job it is to run into a burning building than a cop who is under no obligation to risk his life if say, someone is shooting up a school in some town like Uvaldi Texas. Where they just sit around hoping the terrorist will stop and preventing parents from doing the job they are supposedly paid to do. Cops tend to be bullies and cowards where as firefighters tend to be heroes. They do have one thing in common, they both want to be firefighters!

    2. So in court it’s the dirty cops word against the citizen! If the driver didn’t record this encounter he would have gotten a ticket.

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  3. At the end of the day you have a grown ass man earning shit pay for delivering DoorDash. In my book, he is a LOSER! Karma 🙂

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      1. Far from perfect, but I respect law enforcement, unlike this loser. So yeah, I find it hilarious he is nearly 40 and earning $20k a year. Shit life for shit people, also known as karma.

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    1. Of course the guy is a loser, but probably less of a loser than many of the people a deputy will encounter during his shift. That’s why deputies are supposed to hold themselves to a certain standard of behavior, and not expect everyone they run into to be a future saint. Hopefully this is a wake up call for a very young officer to get a s*** together and turn his career around before he ends up incarcerated with some of the people he was angry at in the past.

  4. Door Dash Driver loser or no loser, the Deputy should not have engaged in this negative attention produced by the loser Driver, He fell right into the trap that these people set up, just like all the ones you see on the internet, Police are held to higher professional behavior, One day is not enough should have been a 3 day no pay and learn how to be a professional you should be. You are a Police officer act like one , Serve and protect !!!!

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  5. 40 hours of constitutional review.

    These types of interactions will increase greatly in the future. While we haven’t yet reached the “us vs them” point such as seen in other countries that declare martial law and have a police state, these scenarios are bound to happen more and more.

    For the “victim with a camera” we hope it goes no further than the stop and let go. But for the taxpayers, we hope it doesn’t happen at all.
    Every one of these interactions are subject to a lawsuit. A lawsuit that these deputies don’t have to pay out of their own pockets.
    It’s my pocket. Therefore I get to tell them, get more training ! Or leave the profession

  6. I don’t know what to say about this other then the sheriff’s dept do need training. I’m going through a case now that if the sheriff’s dept would’ve saved my life of the night in question I wouldn’t be going through it now. I started my car thinking they come in and save me and it’s all on camera and they just looked at my car n left n I was held hostage till the next day after being beat and strangled. They didn’t search the whole premises and lied on the report. Lazy police work and can’t wait to hear their stories in court. 😪

  7. I think the sheriff’s department had little choice to do what they did. “Flipping off” an officer, however, is not always protected speech. Depending on the circumstances, such as whether young children were present, it could be disorderly conduct.

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      1. WI has Unconstitutional “Disorderly Conduct” laws.
        947.01 Disorderly conduct.
        (1) Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
        (2) Unless other facts and circumstances that indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of the person apply, a person is not in violation of, and may not be charged with a violation of, this section for loading a firearm, or for carrying or going armed with a firearm or a knife, without regard to whether the firearm is loaded or the firearm or the knife is concealed or openly carried.
        History: 1977 c. 173; 1979 c. 131; 2011 a. 35; 2015 a. 149.
        The defendant was properly convicted of disorderly conduct when the defendant appeared on a stage wearing a minimum of clothing intending to and succeeding in causing a loud reaction in the audience. State v. Maker, 48 Wis. 2d 612, 180 N.W.2d 707 (1970).
        An attorney was properly convicted under this section for refusing to leave a ward in a mental hospital until he had seen a client after having made statements in the presence of patients that caused some to become agitated. State v. Elson, 60 Wis. 2d 54, 208 N.W.2d 363 (1973).
        It was not disorderly conduct for four people to enter an office with other members of the public for the purpose of protesting the draft and to refuse to leave on orders of the police when their conduct was not otherwise disturbing. State v. Werstein, 60 Wis. 2d 668, 211 N.W.2d 437 (1973).
        This statute does not require a victim, but, when the disorderly conduct is directed at a person, that person is the victim for the purpose of prosecuting the perpetrator for intimidating a victim under s. 940.44. State v. Vinje, 201 Wis. 2d 98, 548 N.W.2d 118 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-1484.
        A “true threat” is a statement that a speaker would reasonably foresee that a listener would reasonably interpret as a serious expression of a purpose to inflict harm, as distinguished from hyperbole, jest, innocuous talk, expressions of political views, or other similarly protected speech. It is not necessary that the speaker have the ability to carry out the threat. State v. Perkins, 2001 WI 46, 243 Wis. 2d 141, 626 N.W.2d 762, 99-1924. But see Counterman v. Colorado, 600 U.S. ___, 143 S. Ct. 2106, 216 L. Ed. 2d 775 (2023).
        Purely written speech, even written speech that fails to cause an actual disturbance, can constitute disorderly conduct, but the state has the burden to prove that the speech is constitutionally unprotected “abusive” conduct. “Abusive” conduct is conduct that is injurious, improper, hurtful, offensive, or reproachful. “True threats” clearly fall within the scope of this definition. State v. Douglas D., 2001 WI 47, 243 Wis. 2d 204, 626 N.W.2d 725, 99-1767.
        Application of the disorderly conduct statute to speech alone is permissible under appropriate circumstances. When speech is not an essential part of any exposition of ideas, when it is utterly devoid of social value, and when it can cause or provoke a disturbance, the disorderly conduct statute can be applicable. State v. A.S., 2001 WI 48, 243 Wis. 2d 173, 626 N.W.2d 712, 99-2317.
        Disorderly conduct does not necessarily require disruptions that implicate the public directly. This section encompasses conduct that tends to cause a disturbance or disruption that is personal or private in nature, as long as there exists the real possibility that the disturbance or disruption will spill over and disrupt the peace, order, or safety of the surrounding community as well. Sending repeated, unwelcome, and anonymous mailings was “otherwise disorderly conduct.” State v. Schwebke, 2002 WI 55, 253 Wis. 2d 1, 644 N.W.2d 666, 99-3204.
        Defiance of a police officer’s order to move is itself disorderly conduct if the order is lawful. Braun v. Baldwin, 346 F.3d 761 (2003).

    1. ! Disgruntled citizen “gives the finger” to a La Crosse cadet writing parking tickets.
      ! Is this disorderly conduct?
      ! Court of Appeals: “[G]iving a cadet ‘the
      finger’ is not in itself disorderly conduct.”
      ! But . . .“[D]oing so in the presence of children is another matter. Children should not be subjected to that universal symbol
      of contempt and sexual content.”

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      1. Oh for heavens sake .My third grader grandchild is learning this in their class. Turn on the TV You see more sexual content than that!

        1. When I was growing up, it was sometime known as “The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate” award,. Then again that was based on what you watched as night time T.V.

  8. So the officer lied by saying the guy was speeding and that’s why he pulled him over. Should be fired on the spot. Dirty SOB

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  9. Well I was charged with disorderly conduct for sticking my middle finger up at an officer for good reasons! I learned that IS considered a disorderly conduct! Apparently it’s equivalent to a swear word! 🙄

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  10. I’m in my mid sixties and I still don’t like cops. I don’t like cops to the point that I go out of my way to avoid them. My vehicle is good mechanical shape including all the lights. I drive the speed limit and signal all turns and lane changes. I drive around Kenosha and county pissed off about all the stupid drivers hanging on a fender in the left lane. So I avoid the cops.

    I will say that 18 months ago, I got into a fender bender here in Kenosha. I legally carry a gun and all 6 officers that showed up were all professional.

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  11. Wow….no mention of the convicted felon drug dealer who was the guy who the cop pulled over, Aaron Rodefer?

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    1. Yeah, Aaron Rodefer is a worthless piece of shit. I sure hope he walks a straight line in life now, as I assure you he will be given zero breaks by any Kenosha law enforcement in the future.

      DoorDash loser!

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  12. I don’t know. First amendment or not. That cop didn’t do anything wrong and the door dash creep should have received a ticket for disorderly conduct or something. Our police have to put up with so much. I feel bad for them.

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    1. Ohh you feel bad for them… I guess that means it’s ok for them to act like criminals. Dn you’re a joke.

  13. By these comments, we have a bunch of disrespectful people living in Kenosha. You respect the BADGE, period! Hopefully Aaron will get a hot dose of fentanyl in the future and no officer saves his life. He will not be missed, an 18 year old college student will take his place as a DoorDasher.

    Hey Aaron, you are scum, a loser, don’t be so proud.

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  14. If the motorist was engaging in disorderly conduct then there should have been a stop and arrest for that. But it was for “contempt of cop” which is not necessarily against the law. The discipline seems pretty light. Poor judgment by the officer.

  15. Yea, right, a Kenosha Sheriff’s deputy was pulling someone over for going 10 under. Meanwhile, everywhere else in the county, people are doing 20-30+ over, and the sheriff’s department turns a blind eye. No wonder road deaths & accidents are so extreme!

  16. Most cops violate people’s civil rights on a daily basis. They’re not educated correctly and give the *That’s how we e been doing it forever* excuse. Normalization of deviance is a problem in LE everywhere.

  17. It seems to me that those who don’t like cops must have had a few run ins with them. Good faith citizens don’t have negative experiences with law enforcement. Cops have some level of discretion and when someone acts like a rude, undisciplined disrespectful jerk he is not going to get the benefit of the doubt. We all know that the middle finger is a crude aggressive gesture and using it says a lot about that person! Legal or not it is wrong headed and inviting trouble.

    1. Not everyone who is down on cops is a criminal. I’ve too much experience dealing with cops to actually respect most of them. I think I’m finally up to 2 that I found that were worth anything.

  18. Again, I think people miss the point of this story.

    You could be a law-abiding conservative fellow who follows the laws but loves his 1st Amendment……if that’s who flipped the cop off, it would be one thing.

    However, here…you’ve got some POS who was just convicted of felonies relating to drug dealing flipping off the cop. That is just a fucking piece of shit regardless of the First Amendment. People like this are the trash of the Earth that cops have to deal with.

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  19. This seems like a pretty fair outcome. Hopefully the cop will mature and gain some emotional restraint. Hopefully the driver will too.
    I am, however, puzzled by a society that overpays for garbage fast food to sit in a stranger’s vehicle for who knows how long so that it can be handed to them. It’s gross.
    The chronically sedentary get to gorge and add to the population of corpulents.

  20. Double Standards going on here.

    The ThinBlueLineGang got one day off and a paid training on the constitution ( something taught in public schools) and zero criminal charges for his criminal acts……… If wethepeople break the law, we get charged for them.

    This cop has at least illegal detainment, attempted kidnapping, abuse of power and violation of oath of office.

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Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

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Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

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Children Allegedly Watched as Kenosha Man Murdered Wife; DA Files Homicide Charge Within Hours

Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a homicide charge and secure an arrest warrant within hours of Makayla Marie Rutka

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Walworth Judge Assigned To Ortiz John Doe as Deputy, or County, Retains Two Lawyers

Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth County judge to oversee the case and Ortiz formally hiring two attorneys. You

In Unusual Move, Sister, Mother and Attorney Reach Out to Kenosha County Eye About Salem Woman Who is in “Deep Shit”

KENOSHA, Wis. — In an unusual development following charges filed against Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm, both Burm’s sister and Burm’s attorney contacted Kenosha County Eye after the outlet published a story detailing allegations that Burm helped accused attempted homicide suspect Jake C. Wenzel avoid capture. Burm, 29, was charged on Nov. 26 with Straw Purchasing of a Firearm, Harboring or Aiding a

Manhunt Underway for Kenosha Man Accused of Murdering His Wife After Bargain Bail Billy Denied Her Restraining Order Weeks Earlier

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday morning’s apparent homicide near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue, but sources indicate the victim is seemingly Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, 28. The suspect is her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, who remained the subject of a massive manhunt as of publication. Police were initially called to

Kenosha County DA Xavier Solis Owes $8,000 in Back Taxes, Addresses Lien: ‘I’m Only Human’

KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin Circuit Court records filed early Tuesday morning show the state Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax warrant against Solis in Kenosha County Circuit Court, case number 2026TW000318. The warrant, which carries the force of a civil judgment, reflects $8,024 in unpaid income taxes, $2,873.98 in penalties, and $2,710.60 in accrued interest, a total of $13,608.58. The underlying

Supreme Court Ruling Puts Kenosha Conversion Therapy Ban in Legal Jeopardy

KENOSHA, Wis. — A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is likely to place the City of Kenosha’s own ordinance banning the practice on shaky constitutional ground. On Tuesday, the nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 that Colorado’s law banning licensed therapists from providing conversion therapy to minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on

Nearly 49 Years After Ralph Gianoli Was Found Beaten and Strangled in His Home, Kenosha Police Say DNA Helped Identify Suspect

KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly 49 years after Ralph Ambrose Gianoli was found beaten and strangled to death inside his home at 5310 25th Ave., Kenosha police on Tuesday publicly laid out how preserved evidence, modern DNA testing and years of renewed investigative work led to the arrest of a Tennessee man in one of the city’s oldest unsolved homicide cases. Police say James

LATEST NEWS

City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked

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Storm Damage—In Photos: Trees Down, Thousands Without Power After Violent Storms Sweep Through Kenosha County

Kenosha Storm of April 3, 2026(Submitted by Reader) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Strong storms tore through Kenosha County Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, toppled power lines and thousands of residents without electricity. Many readers sent Kenosha County Eye photos overnight and early Friday morning showing the widespread destruction left behind by the storm. Images submitted to KCE showed large trees

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Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and

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Felony Strangulation Charge Filed Against Kenosha Man; Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II Sets $5,000 Cash Bail

Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

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Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

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Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Update 4/3/2026 @ 6:22 p.m.: Attorney Benjamin Schwarz successfully moved to dismiss the child-neglect charge during Schrock’s initial appearance Thursday. Schrock now faces only the remaining counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting an officer. KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he

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Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

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Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

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Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

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Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

City to Honor Four Kenosha Leaders With Memorial Tree Plantings on Arbor Day

KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and

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