(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Pleasant Prairie, Wis. — A man already facing numerous retail theft charges in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties is now charged with 28 criminal counts in Kenosha County, including Racketeering under Wisconsin’s RICO statute, following an extensive, organized retail theft operation that endangered workers and defied court orders at every step.
Camari O. Russell, 26, was arrested in Lake County, Illinois, and extradited back to Wisconsin to face new charges stemming from repeated thefts at the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Last Friday, Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Michael Masnica ordered Russell held on a $25,000 cash bond — a stark contrast to the low-cash and signature bonds he previously received in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, where he had eight pending cases for retail theft and bail jumping.
Despite receiving token bonds of $100, $250, and even signature releases in those prior cases, Russell continued to victimize businesses, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis argued during Russell’s initial appearance Friday. Solis stated that Russell stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from Nike and Ulta Beauty stores in coordinated thefts alongside known associates.
At his bail hearing, a representative from Ulta Beauty spoke directly to the commissioner, warning that these crimes are not victimless and create unsafe environments for employees who are forced to confront criminal behavior daily. Organized thefts like these, the representative emphasized, put frontline workers at direct risk of harm.
Solis argued that Russell repeatedly thumbed his nose at the justice system, committing new crimes while out on bond no fewer than 20 times. His behavior highlights what many law enforcement officials and Solis have long warned: low bail policies embolden repeat offenders and endanger communities.
Now facing Racketeering charges under Wis. Stat. § 946.83, Russell could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined $50,000 just on the racketeering count alone — with additional exposure from the felony retail theft and felony bail jumping counts.
“Retail theft is not a victimless crime,” said Solis. “It harms local businesses, endangers employees, and undermines the safety and stability of our community. Our office has a zero-tolerance policy toward organized retail theft and habitual offenders. We will aggressively prosecute those who engage in theft rings and repeatedly violate the law. Retail theft cases will be treated seriously, and we will seek appropriate bonds and sentences to deter future criminal conduct. In Kenosha County, we stand with our businesses, protect our workers, and enforce the law without apology. All individuals facing persecution are presumed innocent until proven guilty in our courts.”
Russell’s next court appearance is scheduled for later this month. The case remains under active investigation, and authorities encourage any witnesses or additional victims to come forward.
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4 Responses
Finally these thugs are being put behind bars. How in the world does he have 8 opens cases and now he’s in Kenosha. Great job DA Solis charging RICO on these gangs. That will dismantle them.
I voted for Solis, thank you for prosecuting this thug and thief. He needs to sit in prison for a while for his actions!
Russell was framed. Judge Kerkman will make this right.
Russell still thinks T. Claire Binger works in Kenosha.