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Kenosha Woman Charged With Felony Domestic Battery; Bail Set at $1,000

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Leah T. Mendoza-Castillo, 27
(Kenosha County Sheriff)

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman with a history of domestic abuse convictions was charged Friday with felony domestic battery and disorderly conduct after allegedly attacking her boyfriend during an early morning dispute.

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Jaime Salazar Jr., Victim and Convicted Felon

Leah T. Mendoza-Castillo, 27, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court where Court Commissioner William Michel II set her cash bail at $1,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

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According to the criminal complaint, police were dispatched around 2:38 a.m. to a residence on 16th Avenue, where Jaime Salazar Jr.—a multiple-time convicted felon recently released from prison on gun charges—reported that Mendoza-Castillo had struck him roughly 10 times in the chest and arms after he confronted her about explicit messages found on her phone. Salazar claimed the messages showed she had been communicating with other men for sex in exchange for money.

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Officers said Salazar had visible red marks and bruising, and complained of significant shoulder pain. Mendoza-Castillo, who had been staying with Salazar for several weeks, was arrested nearby and taken to the Kenosha County Jail. She denied assaulting him but gave conflicting statements about the events.

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Because of her prior convictions—including domestic abuse-related offenses in 2017 and 2023—prosecutors added domestic abuse and repeater enhancers to the charges, elevating the battery count to a felony. Mendoza-Castillo also has three additional misdemeanor convictions in the past five years, including retail theft, disorderly conduct, and bail jumping.

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Salazar was present in court for Friday’s hearing and caused a brief disturbance from the gallery during proceedings. Mendoza-Castillo remains in custody.

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Author

Picture of Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.
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  1. Commissioner Michel set bail at $1,000 for a felony? I bet he would make a great commissioner in blue Illinois. If Michel keeps going like this, pretty soon he will be apologizing to the defendants and might even order Zoerner to release them all.

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  4. He loves to get his females locked up for these charges so he can use their car and house while they’re locked up LOL

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      2. This post is Exhibit A for the negative impact of “social media” on communication. Bring back the Queen’s English.

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