(Kenosha County Sheriff)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A well-connected Kenosha Democrat with deep ties to local politics, nonprofits, and business interests was arrested early this morning for operating while intoxicated.
At 12:59 a.m., Timothy “Tim” Todd Mahone, 61, was booked into the Kenosha County Jail after being taken into custody by the Kenosha Police Department. A source told Kenosha County Eye that Mahone failed standard field sobriety tests.
When contacted by KCE, the Kenosha Police Department declined to release any information about the arrest. Mahone also ignored questions sent to him via cell phone.
Mahone’s connections extend across multiple influential organizations in Kenosha. His parents founded the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund, which focuses on educational opportunities and college scholarships for underrepresented youth, along with programs aimed at career development and academic achievement. Mahone now chairs the fund’s board.
He is the founder and president of Mahone Strategies, a public affairs firm offering government relations, civic and community engagement, corporate communications, crisis communications, and public relations services. The firm has been retained by Bear Realty for outreach and strategic communications work.
Mahone also chairs the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, a redevelopment project on the former Chrysler engine plant site. The project’s stated goal is to create a hub for innovation, education, and economic growth, though it has faced questions about transparency and funding.
In addition, he serves on the board of CDA Housing, Inc., a nonprofit formed in 2015 to provide affordable housing and related services to low-income residents, and on the board of The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, which hosts invite-only gatherings to discuss political, environmental, and social issues with selected community and national leaders.
Mahone has maintained close ties to the Kenosha Unified School District, including participation in programs to equip students with technology and workforce readiness skills. The Mahone Fund also maintains a partnership with the United Way of Kenosha.
In 2024, Mahone considered a run for mayor but ultimately chose not to run.
This is Mahone’s first known OWI arrest. He was released from jail shortly after 3 a.m. today.
Editor’s note: Court records show the City of Kenosha requested dismissal of the case during the Jan. 27, 2026 hearing, and the court granted the motion. No further proceedings are scheduled in this matter.
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21 Responses
OWI is an equal opportunity offense — rich, poor, good people, bad people, you name it. All the same when they drink and drive.
Yes, he made a mistake but he obviously hasn’t made a habit of it. We all make mistakes and if he does better in the future as a result I think he should be offered a little grace.
I am guessing that this is not the first time that he drove while wasted. On average, a drunk drive’s wasted over 500 times before being arrested. signed former drinker, 1 dui, drove thousands of times fuc* up. not proud of this
.08 constitutes statutorily “wasted”. Easy to hit that level if not careful with sufficient weight. Back in the 70s, it was .14, almost double and the legal age was 18 then. I remember the weekend fatality rate on Hwy 50 out to Walworth Cty was quite high as IL’s legal age was then 19 and there was a constant stream of them crossing the state line.
Dennis is a loser
It doesn’t matter who you are — if you drink and drive you’re all equally dangerous.
Prominent people drive drunk all the time. That includes police, firefighters, elected officials and so many others. Most of these well connected people who drive drunk are not arrested due to their connections. Apparently, Mr. Mahone was not worthy of this protection.
…your point is? Are you condoning it or…?
As I said in the first post, doesn’t matter who you are. If you drink and drive you’re equally dangerous, period.
Wow special privilege out in 2 hours.
Wtf
That is normal if someone can be released to a third person.
Um no
First offense, ordinance, will go through Muni Court. Nothing to see here.
You probably was high too… A little weed and drive and drink. Why not right. He’s Tim important just ask him.
Never seen him with a woman but always smiling at the young girls in the bar
All these charges will be swept under the rug. This guy is a scammer. It’s a DEI hire from the previous mayor who had his nose up his ass for rep position. I’m not sure what his qualifications are for these jobs. No one else does either .. how much is he paid for this? I
Highly unlikely the OWI charge will be swept under the rug. State law essentially prohibits reducing or dismissing an OWI charge except in unusual circumstances. He either pleads or goes to trial.
I was wrong. The judge may have disregarded the law and dismissed the case.
I suppose with the Mahone name, he is above the law here in Kenosha. Like the other drunk drivers, he should have his license revoked
If he is convicted his license must be revoked for six to nine months.
Unless he is acquitted, here is what will happen to him at sentencing for a first offense OWI.
$150 – $300 plus costs and assessments that will range between $900-1100 or more.
License revoked for six to nine months.
Mandatory alcohol and other drugs assessment and compliance with any recommended treatment.
Ignition interlock device may be required in any vehicle owned or operated if he had a high BAC.