Judge Kerkman’s Attempt to Intimidate Local Press Backfires

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Kevin Mathewson – Editor, Kenosha County Eye and Chad Kerkman (D), Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman is attempting to use his judicial authority to pressure Kenosha County Eye into altering a story critical of him.

On Friday, the very same day KCE published an article about Kerkman’s restrictions on the outlet’s access to intake court photography, the judge emailed the publisher a letter demanding that portions of the article be removed. That letter was notarized almost immediately by former Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Tom Binger — the same liberal prosecutor who failed to convict Kyle Rittenhouse and who now works in Walworth County. Binger is alleged to be rooming with Judge Kerkman. Kerkman is demanding we take down, among other things, his work email address, marital status and campaign finance registration.

A Troubling Pattern

This is the second time a Kenosha judge has tried to stifle free speech on KCE. In September 2024, Judge Heather Iverson quickly reversed a temporary injunction and gag order that had forced KCE to take down an article — declaring that the public’s interest overwhelmingly outweighed any claimed reputational harm.

What the Law Means in Plain Terms

Despite the judge’s demand, the law is clearly on KCE’s side. Everything published was factually accurate and obtained directly from the State of Wisconsin’s official website — making it lawful and protected by the First Amendment.

Legal observers say Kerkman’s attempt to muzzle a news outlet is not only heavy-handed but also shows an alarming lack of familiarity with the very laws judges are sworn to uphold.

T. Clair Binger (D) and Judge Chad Kerkman (D)
Just a Couple of Bros Hanging Out (Both also LGBTQ Activists)

KCE’s publisher also expressed concern that Kerkman’s strangely close friend, T. Clair “Tom” Binger, may be skirting ethical boundaries by advising Kerkman on legal strategy and assisting behind the scenes with his threatened injunction.

Attempting to Silence the Press

Rather than acknowledging that reality, Kerkman is now preparing to ask another judge to issue an order forcing KCE to remove the article. If granted, that would raise serious constitutional concerns over government censorship of the press.

Refusing to Be Intimidated

KCE’s publisher, Kevin Mathewson, said the attempt to silence the outlet will not succeed.

“I will not be bullied into removing truthful information that was lawfully obtained. This is America. Judges don’t get to decide which articles about them are allowed to stay online.”

He continued:

“If I wrote something false, then sue me — like the former crooked cop and disgraced politician Michael Culat tried to do. I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is. Culat had to cut me a large check when his baseless suit collapsed. You bully people in court every day because they can’t fight back. You fine them, which you do regularly. But I’m not afraid to go toe-to-toe in court.”

Many local attorneys told Mathewson that Judge Kerkman — derisively nicknamed “Jerkman” by some in the legal community — is likely bluffing. One attorney put it bluntly:

“He can’t be that ignorant of the law that he would actually hire an attorney and lose in court. If he tried, he’d look like an even bigger fool. This is pure emotion. He’s just trying to use his authority to bully you.”

The Bigger Picture

This dispute goes beyond one article. It raises the question of whether powerful officials can use their positions to intimidate journalists and restrict coverage they dislike. Free speech advocates warn that if such tactics succeed, it sets a dangerous precedent for transparency and accountability in Kenosha County.

Kenosha County Eye has made clear the story will not be taken down.

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75 Responses

    1. Kevin should have our support. This jerk judge is violating the 1st Amendment. That is a serious problem. It is a threat to our democracy. Kevin has the courage to fight it.

      It is impossible to deny that Kerkman is doing the exact same thing as President Trump. You can not condemn Kerkman without condemning Trump.

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      1. It’s easy to deny it because you are an idiot. It was done to Trump not by Trump, and except for your idiotic comment, this story has nothing to do with Trump.

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        1. Kevin pissed off Kerkman by writing a story that Kerkman did not like. Kerkman, the petty lefty tyrant, illegally restricted Kevin’s access in retaliation.

          Explain, logically please, how what Kerkman did is any different from what Trump did.

          You guys should be cheering Kerkman on.

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          1. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?

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            1. Wow! Your babbling makes no sense. Who cares about “likes” except the dim-witted? I am just pointing out that you people have no critical thinking skills.

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          2. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

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            1. It is clear that Kevin did not lie. However, neither did the Associated Press when they refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. That pissed off Trump and that is why Trump restricted the AP’s access.

              Now Kerkman is pissed off, so he decided to restrict Kevin’s access.

              No matter how much kool-aid you drink, it is still the same. Both Kerkman and Trump are dangerous government officials doing a dangerous things. You cannot condemn one without condemning the other.

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              1. The Associated press did lie by refusing to follow first a Preidential Executive Order and then the name change codified by Congress. In effect, refusing to acknowledge a law and calling it something else is a lie. Brush up on your government.

          3. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

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      2. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?
        Send my best to your antifa buddies, would ya?

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        1. You are correct. It is not about Trump. However, it is impossible for intelligent people to not figure out that Kerkman did the same thing that Trump did.

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        2. To the mentally ill TDS afflicted, all local conflicts conflatable to Trump. It’s a waste of time and effort to attempt any civil rational engagement with a mental case that belongs in an asylum. Due to the breakdown of law and order with the low ilk of the Kerkman’s and Zoerner elected to officialdom due to complacent low voter turnout – that one is a Rainbow Kook with crazy eyes and the other, a fake Republican with public pics marching as a Democrat wearing a “vagina hat” are current officialdom is proof of Kenosha’s very poor national reputation. They make Kenosha residents look like a community of morons, imbeciles, and idiots.

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        1. Can back the badge without being a Dem.
          You people need some help.

          Trump is awesome. All presidents pull some bullshit.

          Our city officials, school board leaders, and religious leaders in this city are made up of Child Molesters, protectors of child molester and leaders that bend the law and policies in their favor.

          And you guys sit here crying who is left or right with such a fragile ego.

          Why not direct all that incompetent hostility towards someone in this city that deserves it.

          Kevin.
          Keep up the work.

  1. “I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is”.

    Well Chad? Do you have the balls or have you been neutered. . .?

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    1. Neutered. In the cabin in Lake Geneva, or was it let’s say before 2012? By the way, someone was asking about our Sargent Hard’s whereabouts, you never know, but perhaps he’s in the cabin with the other two.
      What a Zoo

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      1. Putting a man’s penis in another man’s ass is straight up abomination. I don’t like people like you who are part of the destruction of the usa

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  2. Unlike judge Rossell, Jerkman is vicious and vindictive. He will retaliate against you and anyone associated with you, even if many of them are counselors. He is even capable of issuing rulings against their clients’ interests. You’d better keep an EYE on him.

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  3. Say what you want, stick to the facts. Ones private life is just that, private. It’s deplorable of you to attack someone because of who they choose to be with. Keep in mind, your kids or someone you know could be gay. Stop the hate.

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    1. Exactly. This story is newsworthy and deserves to be reported, but no need to go into Kerkman’s personal life. Doing so makes it look like a personal beef and discredits Kevin as a legitimate journalist. It also goes against some of the things Kevin talked about in his story regarding holding friends accountable and the importance of journalistic ethics. Kerkman is definitely in the wrong here, but the inclusion of his personal life details serves no purpose in this story aside from pleasing gossip mongers.

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      1. The fact that he allegedly lived with a prosecutor and the prosecutor allegedly is giving him legal advice is relevant here, becuase both would be unethical and against ethical guidelines.

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        1. Kevin, I appreciate your response. *******************************************************************************************************

        2. Only problem I could possibly think of is these weasels will use Judicial immunity to escape any or all wrongdoing. They are liberal pieces of corrupt trash. Then again, just look at the town we live in. Where in this local government isn’t there corruption?

  4. You never heard about judges and/or their personal lives before. Because they were well respected. Remember Judge Kluka, Fischer, and Americas judge. They knew their jobs, the law and how to be professional. Compare those judges with Kerkman, Gabrielle ect. There is no comparison.

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    1. Of course not. Those were real judges, unlike this improvised poor excuse of them. You’re talking major leagues versus Kerkman and the other one, Gabriele a traitor who left the DA’s team when things started going south back in 2020.

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    1. Patience. The social percolation in process indicates likely detonation ahead in 2026-27. The Normal Smartset, including those with LGBTQ offsping corrupted by NEA public education and college academia, are not yet sufficiently angry to activate physically directly to remove the aggressive, degenerate Abnormies plus their entire protectorate officialdom to (fill in the blank) so to restabilize society and community into moral, productive activity and spiritual peace in safety.

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  5. So let me understand. Someone stated the Gay Brigade is running our court in town? That’s a comedy in itself or a future story.

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  6. In all truth, I filed for a civil case spent over a $100 and was just trying to retrieve some funeral money for a past loved one. The death was committed by a convicted person who was awarded bail bond money in holding, and judge kerman would not even give me the time of day. I put before him all the evidences. He didn’t even wink an.l eye, and it was over in less than 5 minutes. He didn’t want to hear anything I said and just denied it all! I was in disbelief!

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  7. The Depraved Mind that Chad Kerkman is afflicted with clouds his judgement, serves no justice to our community, makes him the laughing stock of Kenosha County, and damns his soul.

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  8. If someone has to appear in front of him, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a recording device along as long as it is in open court. If he starts screaming or deviating from the procedures a judge is required to follow, bring the recording to the local media first and then to major outlets like Fox News. You see, all this issue stems from him attacking Mr. Solis, which somehow should have been reported to nationwide news as soon as it happened. There has been a lot going on against the new DA since he took office. After 100 years, Democrats can’t still digest his victory. Basically a lot of plotting. Or do you think all these mass resignations are not instigated by people from within, with the approval of individuals such as Kerkman, Gabriele and her minions?

    If a recording is made in open court (where permitted), it should be used responsibly, such as to document misconduct (e.g., a judge deviating from procedure), and shared with media only after considering legal and ethical implications. Local media might be approached first for community impact, followed by larger outlets like Fox News for broader reach, but this should align with local laws and court rules.

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      1. When you go to a concert, recording isn’t allowed either. Yet somehow, there’s this little thing called YouTube which is absolutely full of recordings.

      2. So, what do you think the penalties are? A fine, incarceration or being sent to the ‘Cabin of the Rising Sun’ in Lake Geneva with Sargent Hard kindly waiting inside?

  9. You are fighting against two of the three branches. Perhaps you should consider calling the cavalry:

    Contact Fox News Channel
    Phone: (888) 369-4762

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  10. …. have to place in a courtroom.

    Kevin will win and once again be allowed to photograph as he sees fit.

    The fact that both Sam and the ex are coming after him is because he is right. No pun intended.

    They say when they are all shooting at you then you know you are over the target.
    Why Sam got involved is beyond me. It’s a loosing battle. She has nothing in this as her children are most definitely aware of all the nuances of their parents lives. She’s not protecting anyone.
    And if she thinks she is then that’s just another reason to look for her replacement.

    Nice try Sam. We all had high hopes for you in your transition in your job choice from state to county.
    The pay increase as Substantial as it is just didn’t seem to be enough for you to realize you were going to be watched and scrutinized so much more.
    The media both social and news are so much different than they were when you were in Madison.

    You’ve lost your compass. And as I see it you are too far lost to get it back.
    Once again, Anyone that feels they are ready for these jobs and understands that it’s the Citizens that they work for not others politicians in the neighboring offices, step up now.
    The iron is hot !!
    We need you !

  11. Start a new page here – Kenosha Judicial Watch. Start logging all these decisions. Get the tip line going so you can report on all these stupid decisions and have enough ammunition to start taking these judges down come election time. Kerkman and Wilk would be a good place to start.

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KENOSHA, Wis. — Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 39, of Kenosha, a therapist and former foster parent, pleaded not guilty June 10 to seven criminal charges across two separate Kenosha County cases and was formally arraigned before the court. Despite the pending criminal cases, Niccolai has continued posting about the prosecutions online, including a recent social media post in which she mocked the proceedings and

Rodriguez Launches Campaign for Kenosha County Clerk of Courts

KENOSHA, Wis. — Zach Rodriguez, a lifelong Kenosha County resident, small business owner, former three-term Kenosha County supervisor, and court services professional, announced Monday that he is running for Kenosha County Clerk of Courts. Rodriguez said he is seeking the office with a commitment to maintaining an efficient, accessible, and transparent court system that serves attorneys, judges, litigants, jurors, crime victims, and the

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Child Pornography Charges Filed Against Salem Lakes Man Out On Bail For Sexual Assault Of 11-Year-Old Girl

Corey Daniel Beckman, 38, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Corey Daniel Beckman, 38, of Salem Lakes, was charged Monday with 12 felony counts, including 10 counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of possession of virtual child pornography, months after he was released on a $75,000 cash bond in a separate case alleging repeated sexual assault of

Leadership Kenosha Extends Application Deadline, Seeks Nonprofit Project Proposals

KENOSHA, Wis. — Leadership Kenosha has extended the application deadline for its upcoming 2026-2027 cohort and is encouraging local residents interested in developing their leadership skills to apply by July 1. The community-based program, operated through the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, also is seeking project proposals from local nonprofit organizations with unmet needs. According to organizers, Leadership Kenosha is designed to connect

Garbage Pickup Will Not Be Delayed During Fourth of July Week, City Says

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is advising residents that curbside garbage collection will continue on its normal schedule during the week of Independence Day, despite an error printed in the city’s 2026 Garbage, Yard Waste, and Recycling Calendar. According to a press release issued Monday by the Department of Public Works, the original calendar incorrectly showed a delay in collection on

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Gurnee Man Accused of Trashing 15-Year-Old Ex-Girlfriend’s Bedroom, Stealing Designer Items, Then Threatening to Kill Her Family at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Chase Kuhn, 18, of Gurnee, IL(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — An 18-year-old Gurnee, Illinois man is facing a felony charge and five misdemeanor charges after prosecutors allege he threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend and her family at a Kenosha restaurant one day after allegedly breaking into her bedroom in Bristol, trashing the room, stealing designer items, and threatening violence. Court records

Kenosha’s Independence Day Celebrations to Bring Parade, Festival, Fireworks and Major Traffic Changes

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha’s annual Independence Day festivities are set to return over the next two weeks, bringing a veterans parade, a two-day lakefront festival, fireworks over Lake Michigan and significant traffic and parking restrictions throughout the city’s downtown and HarborPark areas. The celebrations begin Sunday, June 28, with the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade presented by Snap-on. The parade will feature veterans organizations,

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Pit Bull Stabbed to Death, Owner Gets $2,500 Cash Bail After State Sought $7,500

Ahmaud R. Beal, 30 of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of stabbing an 11-year-old pit bull to death was given a $2,500 cash bond Monday by Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking a $7,500 cash bond. Ahmaud R. Beal, 30, is charged with felony mistreatment of animals as a repeater after authorities

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Racine Motorcyclist Accused of Fleeing 100 MPH Traffic Stop Gets $1,000 Cash Bail After State Sought $7,500

Jaime Hernandez-Rivas, 25, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Racine man accused of fleeing a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop while riding a motorcycle at approximately 100 mph in a 35 mph zone was released Monday on a $1,000 cash bail after prosecutors argued for a bond more than seven times higher. Jaime Hernandez-Rivas, 25, of Racine(Kenosha County

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Hit-and-Run Driver With Prior Felony Case Turns Herself In After Seeing Herself on KCE Following Bus Shelter Crash; Open Alcohol, Suspected Marijuana Found in Vehicle: Video

Hannah M. Hernandez, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman with a prior felony criminal case turned herself in to police Sunday evening after seeing herself identified on Kenosha County Eye following a hit-and-run crash that destroyed a bus shelter at Sheridan Road and 65th Street. Photos taken inside the vehicle showed an open alcoholic beverage and what

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Twin Lakes Man Out on $5,000 Cash Bail for Stalking, Drug Charges Accused of Felony Bail Jumping After Interfering With Brother’s OWI Arrest; 79-Year-Old Mother Also Charged

Cian C. Cantwell, 41, and Judith A. Cantwell, Both of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Cian C. Cantwell, 41, of Twin Lakes, who was free on a $5,000 cash bail in a felony stalking and cocaine case, is accused of committing new crimes after prosecutors say he interfered with deputies attempting to arrest his brother, Craig C. Cantwell, 47, following

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Drug Trafficking House Dad Arrested Nearly Three Years After Warrant; Mom Finished Sentence Years Ago

Rudy A. Chagoya, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Editor’s Note (June 22, 2026, 3:10 p.m.): This story has been updated to reflect that the charges against Rudy A. Chagoya were dismissed without prejudice during a June 22, 2026 initial appearance before Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. The State did not oppose defense counsel’s motion to dismiss, which was granted

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Felon Accused of Carrying Loaded Glock Arrested Six Months After Missing Court

Ian C. Glover, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who failed to appear for court late last year was arrested June 19, 2026, on a bench warrant and is now facing new felony firearm charges after deputies allegedly found a loaded handgun, a switchblade, suspected narcotics, and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in Salem Lakes. Ian

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Crash Into Utility Pole, Creek Leads to New Charges for Woman Already Accused of Impersonating Sister in Court

Danielle N. Klowatyj, 31 of Round Lake, IL(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) The Story Was Update June 22, 2026, at 2:54 p.m. KENOSHA, Wis. — Just days after being arrested on a felony warrant in a case accusing her of using her sister’s identity during a traffic stop and later appearing in court as that sister, an Illinois woman is facing new criminal charges

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Third-Offense OWI Defendant Arrested Nearly One Year After Skipping Court

Sandro Medina, 50, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie man charged with third-offense operating while intoxicated and multiple related offenses was arrested Saturday, nearly one year after failing to appear in court on the case. Sandro Medina, 50, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Time Served, Then Threats: Woman in 100-MPH Chase Demands Kenosha County Eye Remove Mugshot and Story

KENOSHA, Wis. — Just days after receiving a sentence that resulted in her immediate release from custody, Desteny Iana Chavez-Diaz contacted Kenosha County Eye demanding that her mugshot and a previously published story about her criminal case be removed. Chavez-Diaz, who appears to use the name “Lucy Alvarez” on Facebook, threatened to hire an attorney after being informed that the records and reporting

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