(Squad Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man is in custody after being charged with felony child abuse for allegedly striking his 14-year-old daughter in the face during a curfew dispute earlier this month.
Justin Michael Chase, 44, made his initial appearance in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Thursday. He is charged with one count of physical abuse of a child—intentionally causing bodily harm, a Class H felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Court Commissioner William Michel II set cash bail at $2,500. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 29, 2025.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred the night of May 14 at Chase’s home on 56th Street. The teenager told officers that her father became angry when she returned home around 9 p.m. She said he followed her into her bedroom, yelled, threw objects, and punched her in the face with a closed fist. She said he hit her once in the lip and again in the forehead after she tried to defend herself.
The girl went to a friend’s house and later met her mother, who brought her to the Kenosha Public Safety Building the following day. Officer Renzoni documented a red bump above her right eyebrow and a swollen lip. The girl also showed officers photos and videos of her injuries, including footage of herself crying and visibly shaking. One video showed blood on her sweatshirt sleeve.
The girl’s friend corroborated the injuries, telling police she saw the swelling before hearing what had happened.
Chase initially denied to police that any physical contact occurred. He admitted taking her phone as punishment but claimed their interaction was calm. When confronted with text messages he sent his daughter that evening—messages stating “you are really playing with fire here” and “quit pushing the limits of my patience”—Chase said he couldn’t remember what he meant by them.
Detective Rockweiler reported that Chase showed no visible emotional reaction when presented with photos and video of his daughter crying and bleeding. He suggested she may have bitten her lip but could not explain the forehead injury.
The complaint was signed by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Norkus. Chase remains in custody at the Kenosha County Jail pending further proceedings.
One Response
Father of the year candidate.