(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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17 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.
There is no element of racism involved in this matter. The focus is on the individual’s actions and chosen occupation. I respectfully suggest setting aside any assumptions of bias. This issue is not about race; rather, it concerns the distinction between those who work for a living and those who engage in retail theft, which ultimately contributes to higher prices for everyone. It is regrettable that the acting commissioner did not impose a bond twice the amount, as such a measure could have served as a deterrent.
Pleasant Prairie man…probably one of Steinbrinks buddies.
A distant cousin .
Legacy defendant from the Gravely McNeil era.
You have to PAY now ?????
When did that start ???
Camari’s a good boy.
He didndonuffin.
The community needs chinese shoes worn by millionaire ball bouncers that cost $9 to make and sell for $180. It’s a reparations discount.
Y’all rascist!
Dindu
In such a short time, Mr. Solis has successfully deterred undocumented aliens from shoplifting in our county. Mission accomplished. What remains now are the local shoplifters. Of course, the latter cannot be deported, so imposing higher bonds may help keep them where they belong and, hopefully, discourage them from targeting our county in the future.
Mr. Solis, it is about time to seek justice justice for Baby River
This is a bold move by DA Solis. We need to understand shoplifters. There are kids doing something stupid as a prank. Unlikely they’ll do it again. Muni ticket and move on. There are people who steal to support their drug habit. They get charged all the time as it should be. Occasionally there’s a poor parent who steals Children’s Tylenol for a sick kid — happens occasionally bit not a lot. And then there are shoplifting rings that haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. We need not only more aggressive prosecution but a change in state law to allow these crimes to be aggregated and for regional investigations and prosecution.
A racketeering case, though, takes a lot of resources and the DA’s office may have to adjust how much attention some other cases get to make room for it but it’s worth doing, IMHO.
This individual is not a kid or single parent. The article said he had 8 open cases for retail theft in multiple counties. And stole thousands of dollars. This is one of the type of crimes We the People want prosecuted. And it is about time we have a DA willing to take these criminals head on.
Pleasant Prairie Man…….Maryland Man
Why is Masnica a court commissioner? Is he new? He needs to stay in family court
The DA’s office needs to concentrate their precious resources on prosecuting actual criminals like this.
I cannot imagine their workload with all of the crime coming through Kenosha whilst simultaneously burdened by unfounded cases capriciously brought forth by the likes of Smathers & Gravely.
Solis is definitely on the right track. Please make Kenosha safe again