Opinion: DA Graveley’s Sweetheart Deals for Brittany Mika Undermine Justice – It’s Time for a Reckoning

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Brittany R. Mika, 31, of Kenosha
(Kenosha County Sheriff)

KENOSHA, Wis. – Brittany R. Mika, 31, has a criminal history that reads like a courtroom merry-go-round—except there’s nothing amusing about the danger she poses or the disgraceful leniency she has received under the former Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley.

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With about two dozen criminal cases and citations to her name, Mika has racked up a staggering list of offenses: violent outbursts, hate speech, resisting arrest, property destruction, illegal firearms possession, and serial violations of bail. Yet under Graveley’s administration, the default response was to defer, dismiss, or delay. Time after time, Mika was handed deferred prosecution agreements, allowing her to dodge convictions and jail time while continuing to offend.

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The newest case, 2025CM580, is the result of Mika violating the bond conditions in four other open criminal cases simultaneously. On May 4, 2025, police responded to a “family trouble” call at a home in the 6400 block of 22nd Avenue. Mika, who was barred from contacting her mother or being at the residence under multiple bond conditions, showed up intoxicated and refused to leave. She berated police as “racist,” filmed them, and remained defiant in the presence of her young children—just feet away from the very woman she was ordered not to approach.

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Kenosha Police Officer Keith Soderstrom wrote in his report that Mika appeared drunk, had been staying at the residence against her mother’s wishes, and had become a regular source of household turmoil. Her mother told police that Brittany had been belligerent, intoxicated, and verbally abusive during her frequent, unauthorized visits. She also noted that Mika drank E&J Brandy and was often seen yelling profanities while her children were present.

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Despite bond conditions in 22CM1265, 23CM1094, 24CM1190, and 24CM1191, Mika simply ignored them. The new case charges her with four counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, one for each case she violated by committing another crime or contacting a prohibited party.

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Brittany R. Mika, 31, of Kenosha In Court Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Mika appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court yesterday and was given a $500 cash bail at the request at the DA’s office.

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Those four underlying cases include equally egregious conduct:

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  • In 22CM1265, she was charged with disorderly conduct, criminal damage to police property, and resisting officers. She screamed profanities in front of children, kicked a squad car window, and had to be forcibly restrained during a trespass incident.
  • In 23CM1094, she was accused of causing a neighborhood disturbance while high on marijuana. When police attempted to speak with her, she became profane, refused commands, and was found with drugs in the vehicle—while her two young children sat inside. She later called an officer racial and sexual slurs and had to be removed from a squad car by force.
  • In 24CM1190, she tried to move into her mother’s home without consent, damaged the front porch door, and refused to leave. The complaint states that she caused over $250 in damage and later claimed ownership of the house, despite having been banned from the property.
  • In 24CM1191, the hate crime case, she verbally attacked a store owner in a tirade that included anti-Palestinian slurs. The incident, captured on surveillance video, led to charges of disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancer. She filmed herself accusing the clerk of discrimination and shouted that she was being overcharged “because she’s Jewish.”

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She is also charged in 2022CM1386 for carrying a concealed weapon. In that case, she brought a loaded handgun into a gas station while allegedly suffering from paranoia. Mika admitted she had no concealed carry license and had used crack cocaine the day before the incident. The charges were dismissed.

In yet another case, 2023CM1558, Mika was a co-defendant during a traffic stop on I-94. According to the criminal complaint, she was the driver of a vehicle that smelled strongly of marijuana and alcohol. While Derrick Curtis, her passenger, lied to deputies about his identity, Mika was allegedly in possession of THC and failed to disclose it. She was seen shedding marijuana flakes from her clothing as she stepped out of the car. While she passed sobriety tests, the incident led to Curtis being arrested and Mika facing additional scrutiny for her involvement.

This is not even accounting for her earliest known case, 2012CM510, where she was convicted of battery after physically assaulting her boyfriend—hitting him with a shoe, punching him in the face, slapping him, and leaving scratch marks on his chest. She served jail time for that, but it would be the only time she truly faced consequences for her actions.

Since then, Mika has failed to comply with bond conditions at least ten times, often while out on signature bonds with no meaningful deterrent. She has dozens of municipal citations for operating after suspension, failing to insure her vehicle, and disorderly conduct, most of which ended in defaults and unpaid fines.

It would be easy to blame Mika alone for this cycle of dysfunction, but the lion’s share of blame belongs to former DA Michael Graveley and his office. Graveley’s years of “restorative justice” policies translated into non-stop deals and court diversions, with no regard for public safety, recidivism, or victims’ well-being.

Graveley left behind a legacy of chaos and erosion of prosecutorial integrity. His soft-on-crime philosophy has left his successor with a ticking time bomb in cases like Mika’s.

Now, with District Attorney Xavier Solis at the helm, the public is watching closely. Solis has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to reverse course. He must revoke all deferred prosecution agreements currently in place for Mika and pursue full prosecution on every pending charge. Anything less would be a continuation of the injustice perpetrated under Graveley’s tenure.

The people of Kenosha County deserve better. They deserve a justice system that protects victims, holds offenders accountable, and doesn’t enable chronic criminal behavior through endless leniency.

It’s time for DA Solis to make a statement: the age of impunity is over.

Mika’s Kenosha Municipal Court Record

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    1. Bail is just supposed to make sure you show up for court. Its not a punishment for the charges, that comes after you get convicted.

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      1. True, but when you’ve repeatedly been released on bond and violate those terms of being released by committing more crimes it should go up substantially. People that are habitual criminals should denied bail because they’ve proven time and time again that they don’t care what they could get sentenced to. This one sounds like the lower amount puts not only the public at risk, but more importantly her children and mother.

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        1. This is kind of a catch-22. If she’s a risk to the community that’s an argument for denying bail, but it isn’t an argument for increasing bail.

    2. Beta XXY Partisan Democrat DA Gravely & Asst DA Binger (dittos Democrats exSheriff Beth, exMayor Antaramian & exCounty Exec Kreuser) – all soft on crime and facilitator-advocates of criminality, especially those engaged in organized riots to destroy small businesses and physically harm citizens; Very hard against and on the protectors of the community’s economically productive business owners and citizens.

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  1. You don’t need a weatherman to tell you it’s raining and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out she’s probably chronically mentally ill with alcohol and other drug issues. The truth is that she will likely be in and out of the system for many years to come and Kenosha County has some of the worst treatment options in the state. The deferred prosecution agreements won’t work without a support system that works behind them. We had several names for these people and one is that they will be serving a life sentence on the installment plan. She’s a community nuisance and will likely continue to be no matter what is done. I could say that probation and jail haven’t worked but in fairness she stayed out of trouble for around seven or eight years. This is NOT an excuse for her behavior but rather stating the cold, hard facts. It’s almost as if jail would be a favor: three hots and a cot.

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    1. I’m Gravely should have done her that favor a long time ago, and locked her up.

      “He must revoke all deferred prosecution agreements currently in place for Mika and pursue full prosecution on every pending charge. Anything less would be a continuation of the injustice perpetrated under Graveley’s tenure.”
      Was very well said, and deserving of a study response by the public, as well as the elected official now charged with evaluating this.

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  2. This might explain some of this…from 2012…

    PLEASANT PRAIRIE — A Kenosha County man faces multiple charges for allegedly strangling his then-pregnant girlfriend. The charges against Peter Mohr include strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

    The baby girl died, shortly after birth. She was born four months premature.

    The criminal complaint says back on Friday, June 22nd, Mohr and his girlfriend, an 18-year-old woman named Brittany, got into an argument that led to a physical altercation. The victim told police Mohr “pushed her into the bathroom and that she struck the toilet with her hip.” She then apparently hit Mohr in the mouth because she was trying to get away from him.

    Moments later, the complaint indicates Mohr then “put his right hand on (the victim’s) throat and pushed her causing her pain.” He then “picked up her by her throat and threw her to the ground causing her to hit her head on the hardwood floor.” While on the floor, the complaint says Mohr “put his hands around her throat and choked her neck.” The victim told police “she could not breathe and that she could not yell out while this was happening.”

    Mohr then apparently left the house — later to be picked up and arrested during a traffic stop. The complaint says Mohr denied to police that he choked his girlfriend, saying she “must have choked herself.”

    FOX6 News spoke with Brittany’s parents, who say they are heartbroken for many reasons.

    Brittany’s mother, Sherrie Mika broke down as she struggled with the loss of her granddaughter, Mariah. Born four months premature, loved ones watched as the baby clung to life.

    “I was devastated. The baby was innocent. The baby was born with over 80% of its body covered in bruises,” Sherrie said.

    According to Sherrie and Milo Mika, a history of potential trauma could have led to the baby’s death.

    Sherrie said she learned of the incident for which Mohr is charged through a phone call.

    “She had 43 bruises from head to toe,” Sherrie said.

    Mohr is also accused of similar domestic violence acts while Brittany was a minor.

    “He’s abused her on a regular basis,” Sherrie said.

    It’s a pattern and situation Sherrie prays Brittany will get out of.

    As co-executive director of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, Carmen Pitre helps victims of domestic violence, and says the abused need to know their options.

    “If you are a victim or survivor, you need to keep reaching out, so find a safe person — a friend, a family member, church member or pastor — someone you can confide in and ask for help. It`s important for victims to know they are not alone,” Pitre said.

    Sherrie says she has tried to help Brittany find the strength to break the cycle, but after such a tragedy, she’s hoping Brittany’s story can save a life.

    “If we can’t help our daughter, I hope this helps some other girl or woman with what they’re going through,” Sherrie said.

    Brittany was treated and released at the hospital, but as of Wednesday evening, Sherrie and Milo Mika had not heard from her and still feared for her safety.

    If convicted of the charges, Mohr faces up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

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    1. Great reasons for locking his ass up forever, she is currently providing great reasons to lock her ass up for a shorter duration.

  3. Gravely don’t worry I’ll protect the community. I’m here to protect the community. What a bunch of BS.

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  4. $500 cash bail? That is the second time this week that Michels gave out such a small bail for someone so dangerous to the public. She needs to be locked up and the key thrown away. Her poor children!

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    1. Bail is just for making sure they come back to court. Its not supposed to be used to make sure someone stays in jail while they wait for trial. That’s called pre-trial detention and its a different thing.

      The 8th Amendment (and Wisconsin’s constitution) prevents them from setting excessive bail, at least in theory.

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      1. The key here is the word excessive, it is not excessive for bail to increase as previous bail agreements are ignored. Every time she has had an incident breaking her previous bails, the potential fines and punishment increase along with the possibility of her taking off somewhere with her kids because she obviously isn’t using rational thought and it requires rational thought to be worried about losing one’s bail money. On a related topic, how is she coming up with the bail money, is it her own or is she gambling with someone else’s wallet?

  5. She’s part of the tribe. You know all about them, kev. What do you expect? She’s the “chosen” people. 🤣🤣🤣

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  6. It’s a total system problem. Look at that Smith POS 4x in 2 weeks before he got “held/charged” for real.

    Habitual/career criminals get slapped on wrist small bonds and released etc and regular people who legitimately make a mistake get held to a different standard.

    Why? $$ yes $$$$$ career criminals can’t/don’t pay fines, or pay for attorneys, etc but good people who make a mistake do pay. (Endless cycle of that’s how government stays in control and can increase your taxes)

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  7. So because she’s had a hard life we should all be saddled with her nonsense? Lock this idiot up and stop thinking you’re doing the right thing being lenient.

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    1. Is anyone suggesting leniency here? I don’t see it. But we need to be able to do more about people with mental disorders and substance abuse problems. In this case, it seems like all of the above. Locking her up will provide a respite but not a cure.

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  8. Bail is stupid. All it does is keep poor people without an attorney in county jail. If they are dangerous or a flight risk, then no bail. If they are safe enough to be out in the public because they have $500, $1000 or $10000 then they are safe to be in the public.
    The problem with no cash bail the way Illinois did it, is they let almost everyone but the most violent people out. It needs to be more strict.
    You are either safe to be out and trusted to come to court or you’re not.

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  9. Wait Derrick Curtis who was recently sentenced to prison for sexually abusing children was involved with this girl? Or a different Derrick Curtis?

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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

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Pleasant Prairie Couple Charged With Drugs Months After Child Abuse Investigation; Man Also Faces New Felony Bail Jumping Charge

Kevin S. Hladilek, 41, and Candice D. Hladilek, 39, both of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie husband and wife who came under investigation last year after allegations of child abuse in their home are now both facing drug charges, while the husband is also accused of violating the terms of his felony bond. Candice D. Hladilek

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Kenosha Man Accused of Leading Police on 70 MPH Chase Through City Held on $25,000 Cash Bail

Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase through residential streets early Tuesday morning was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bail during his initial appearance Tuesday before Court Commissioner William Michel II. Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to

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