KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man who left his toddler home alone during an alleged drugged hit-and-run crash is now headed to prison after a judge revoked his probation for a prior methamphetamine conviction.

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Cortney J. Brantley, 36, appeared in front of Judge Gerad Dougvillo on Tuesday, where the court handed down a 14-month prison sentence followed by 14 months of extended supervision, after finding Brantley repeatedly violated the terms of his probation. The sentence stems from a March 2024 felony meth possession case that initially resulted in a withheld sentence and probation.

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“Probation Was a Waste”

Brantley’s probation revocation came just months after he was charged in a separate case involving an alleged car theft, OWI crash, and child neglect — all while high on cocaine. Judge Dougvillo said Brantley’s repeated failure to show up for probation meetings, seek treatment, or take his supervision seriously left him no choice.

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“There’s an understanding when you’re placed on probation that you’re going to meaningfully engage,” Dougvillo said from the bench. “You consistently failed to follow through. So the notion that jail is appropriate here falls flat. I do agree with the state — prison is now appropriate”.

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Brantley was credited with 190 days already served and was found eligible for both the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP) and Substance Abuse Program (SAP).

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Prosecutor: “A Persistent Danger”

Assistant District Attorney James Allen told the court that Brantley’s actions during probation — and especially during the April 2025 incident — posed a “clear and immediate danger to the community.” Allen detailed Brantley’s behavior, including skipping probation appointments, getting arrested again while high, and leaving a one-year-old child home alone.

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“These patterns of behavior, and clear unaddressed substance abuse issues, present an ongoing public safety risk,” Allen said, urging the court to impose prison rather than jail time.

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The April 2025 charges against Brantley are still pending and include operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, child neglect, hit and run, and possession of drug paraphernalia — all enhanced with repeater modifiers.

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Defense: He’s Trying to Improve

Defense attorney Matthew Torres acknowledged Brantley’s “AODA treatment needs” but said his client had made efforts while incarcerated. Brantley reportedly signed up for alcohol and drug treatment, completed parenting classes, and began working toward his high school equivalency diploma. Torres said Brantley has housing and a job with a local construction firm lined up for his eventual release.

Brantley apologized to the court and his daughter, telling the judge: “I do know what I’ve done was wrong… I have or had an addiction problem which was hindering my judgment. While incarcerated, I have been clean and I’ve been taking the steps to better my life”.

More Charges Still Ahead

Brantley remains in custody at the Kenosha County Jail and is expected to face further proceedings related to the April 2025 charges, which could result in additional prison time.

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