(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. – Today, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals struck down another decision by Circuit Judge Chad Kerkman—this time, for stripping a mother of her newborn child without due process.
A Kenosha woman, arrested on a probation violation, entrusted her baby to a trusted friend and signed the necessary legal paperwork so her child would be cared for while she was detained. A Kenosha County DCFS worker confirmed the baby was safe in the home. Nevertheless, Judge Kerkman intervened, removed the child from the caregiver, and placed the baby in foster care.
The Court of Appeals called it a gross violation of the law. While her probation restricted her ability to personally care for her child, it did not strip her of fundamental parental rights or prevent her from designating a safe caregiver. Becuase of these continued violations of the law by Kerkman, the case is now being sent back for a new hearing.
The Most Serious Power a Judge Holds
Retired Judge Bruce Schroeder—often referred to as “America’s Judge” and best known for presiding over the Rittenhouse trial—has reminded judges that the most serious power they wield is the ability to remove a child from a parent. By again exercising that power without due process, Kerkman has crossed a constitutional line.
A Troubling Pattern of Rights Denied
This latest ruling comes hot on the heels of Kerkman stripping this journalist of due process rights—another disturbing incident that echoes today’s victim.
It also adds to a growing record of high-profile reversals that point to a consistent disregard for basic legal protections:
- 2017 – Mark Jensen homicide case
Kerkman reinstated a murder conviction without holding a proper retrial, even though it was ordered by higher courts. The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned his action, citing due process violations. - 2022 – Racine public records case
The Court of Appeals rebuked Kerkman for obstructing disclosure of public records in a prolonged dispute, concluding he unlawfully delayed promised transparency. - 2023 – Kenosha Unified School District election error
Kerkman refused to correct an admitted mistake in a school board race, denying voters a lawful remedy. - 2023 – Child custody case
The Court of Appeals reversed him after he stripped a parent of custody without proper legal procedure, denying due process. - 2025 – Child custody case (February)
In a case known as Tyrone v. DCFS, Kerkman denied a father’s right to substitute judges when procedural confusion left his paperwork unsigned. The appeals court reversed the ruling, calling it a denial of fundamental fairness.
Kenosha County Eye firmly believes Kerkman is the most frequently overturned judge in Wisconsin’s Second Judicial District. The cases listed here are only those publicized or clear in appellate records—insiders confirm there are many more.
Conclusion
Today’s verdict is unmistakable: once again, Kerkman used the gravest judicial power—the removal of a child—without respecting due process. The constitutional failures aren’t anomalies; they are a pattern.
Kerkman didn’t respond to a request for comment.
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14 Responses
With so many cases overturned why is he STILL on the bench? The Court of Appeals needs to get involved.
Because we are in Kenosha. We are lucky, though. We have Kevin now, and we have him angry because his and our First Amendment rights were desecrated by that poor, resentful, poisoned soul. It’s the End of the rope for Kerkman, just a matter of time.
Everyone should report if they experience further abuse from him.
What the F&)!? Don’t everyone understand???????????? If your last name is Kerkman you are above the law!!!!!!! Simple as that. That last name use to carry weight now it’s more like a dark cloud hovering over the county!!!!! When is election time???
Soon
If it weren’t for you, this news would never have been known by the taxpayers. Keep up the good work, Mr. Mathewson. Perhaps a strong Republican attorney will choose to challenge Jerkman, and we can end his/their infamous era.
Please get rid of this so called judge ….this pinhead needs to go ….trues to make his own rules…
Well damn. I think it’s time to start pulling surety bonds and if unconstitutionally denied have the Fed (and I don’t mean courts) do it for the people. As I’ve stated, “never interfere with the enemy while they’re destroying themselves. Interesting I have a due process challenge coming. No one is above constitutional law.
I can bet you that baby is going to go to someone in the Sheriff’s Department,or the Department of Corrections… Or someone related to them. Because the same thing happened to me.. my child went to an alcoholic emotionally abusive sherriff that worked in the county jail,
and was terrorized by that woman.. Kenosha DCFS, and the department of corrections should be charged for child trafficking… the feds really need to get in there and investigate..thankfully she’s aged out of the system and came back to her mama.
He’s just a really arrogant asshole. Plain and simple. He won’t let a little thing like the law get in the way of his ego.
All of KM’s personal beefs don’t require a paid subscription. He’s becoming jaded. Hope he at least gets rich off of his flame throwing. Sure ain’t going to fix Kenosha’s corruption.
You sound jealous.
Kevin provides a service to the community by reporting stories the liberal
newspaper in town wouldn’t dare touch. (Sorry, Kenosha News is not a newspaper but more
like a liberal propaganda pamphlet.) He should be compensated for his work, just like any
other service provider.
Don’t be a Turdell
KM didn’t start it. And by the way, yes, he isn’t making a lot of money, but he is gaining a lot of support both locally and from the major leagues. Soon, after his rights are reinstated, besides taking all the pictures he wants in court, he will also buy his own cabin in Lake Geneva to enjoy with family and friends.
Sounds like you got poked. Kevin is worth every penny.
If anyone thinks he’s the only judge violating rights then you’re sadly mistaken. Kenosha county in general is notorious throughout other courthouses within the state as being the “land of the lawless” because judges do whatever they want