KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton fired Officer Lea Colon last Tuesday after her third arrest for operating while intoxicated, a decision that underscores the seriousness of her actions — even though Wisconsin law and prosecutorial failures meant he technically didn’t have to let her go.
You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Already have an account? Sign in
TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A suburban Chicago man was arrested Monday after investigators say he traveled to Twin Lakes to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex following an undercover investigation by the Twin Lakes Police Department.
Now-Fired Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two months after Kenosha County Eye exclusively reported that Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II had been fired, newly released public records confirm that Kenosha County Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg personally made the decision to terminate him
Kenosha Police(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Alanna M. Reyes, 16, of Caledonia, was released Monday on no-cash bail after being charged with felony fleeing or eluding an officer for allegedly taking over the wheel of a stolen vehicle from a 12-year-old boy and leading
Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor, appeared Monday before Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse on misdemeanor charges alleging he repeatedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend through text messages, signed her up for pornography websites without her consent, and was
Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha, made his initial appearance Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court after prosecutors charged him with felony failing to comply with Wisconsin’s sex offender registry requirements by allegedly operating an unreported Facebook account
RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services
TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A suburban Chicago man was arrested Monday after investigators say he traveled to Twin Lakes to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex following an undercover investigation by the Twin Lakes Police Department.
Now-Fired Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two months after Kenosha County Eye exclusively reported that Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II had been fired, newly released public records confirm that Kenosha County Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg personally made the decision to terminate him
Kenosha Police(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Alanna M. Reyes, 16, of Caledonia, was released Monday on no-cash bail after being charged with felony fleeing or eluding an officer for allegedly taking over the wheel of a stolen vehicle from a 12-year-old boy and leading Kenosha police on a high-speed chase through the City of Kenosha. According to
Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor, appeared Monday before Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse on misdemeanor charges alleging he repeatedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend through text messages, signed her up for pornography websites without her consent, and was later found in possession of THC vape cartridges. Bouterse found probable cause, entered
Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha, made his initial appearance Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court after prosecutors charged him with felony failing to comply with Wisconsin’s sex offender registry requirements by allegedly operating an unreported Facebook account for nearly two years. Supplemental Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set a $2,000 cash
RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F (87th Street), where Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine hidden in her underwear. Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services following the retirement of former Director Jennifer Blasi. “Jennifer has done an outstanding
Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony strangulation charges and five additional domestic abuse-related charges after prosecutors say he attacked a woman during two separate incidents on back-to-back days, leaving her with bruises, bite marks, swelling, scratches and other injuries. Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
KENOSHA, Wis. — Keller Williams Thrive will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kenosha office later this month with a community event featuring live music, drinks, food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Keller Williams Thrive Kenosha office, located at 5525 Green Bay Road, Suite 200, will host its grand opening celebration on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7
Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a woman, choking her, stopping her from calling 911, and taking her vehicle posted $7,500 cash bail Friday after a warrant for his arrest remained active for several months. Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha, is facing eight criminal charges, including three felonies, in
Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of his sixth drunk-driving offense was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors say he crashed into a parked vehicle, drove away, and later admitted to police that he drank “a lot” and “too much” before getting behind the wheel. Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of
Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha, was charged with a felony drug offense and three counts of bail jumping after Kenosha Police say they found dozens of ecstasy pills and cocaine hidden inside his bedroom during the execution of a search warrant. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set Butler’s cash bail at $2,000 Friday
Kenosha Police Department(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Steven M. Hunkins, 55, of Kenosha, was charged with felony Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury – 2nd and Subsequent Offense after prosecutors say he caused a two-vehicle crash that sent another driver to the hospital. The case is assigned to Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson after being moved to coincide with a
Pleasant Prairie Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Oscar De Leon, 67, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated after Pleasant Prairie Police say he crashed his Ford Focus, ended up trapped underneath the vehicle, and had to be pulled to safety by an officer. The Class H felony carries a maximum
Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago, was taken into custody after missing court dates in his felony burglary case involving an allegedly stolen $12,000 Can-Am Ryker three-wheeled motorcycle. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier previously issued a $25,000 cash bench warrant after Lawson failed to appear for his June
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sean A. Braun, 18, of Kenosha, is facing two felony charges after prosecutors say he stole a Chevrolet Trailblazer, drove it recklessly through a Kenosha neighborhood, and crashed into two occupied homes, causing extensive damage. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Keanna R. Henley, 23, and Alexis E. Cannon, 29, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two Kenosha sisters accused by police of forcing their way into an apartment and attacking a woman were released from custody Thursday afternoon on no-cash bail by Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse. Keanna R. Henley Alexis E. Cannon You must be logged in to view the
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents and business owners who suffered damage during April’s severe storms and flooding may now apply for federal disaster assistance after Kenosha County was included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Wisconsin from April 13 through April 23 are now
Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man already facing a felony domestic violence case is back behind bars after prosecutors say he attacked and strangled his ex-wife outside a Kenosha bar — while he was under a court order to have no contact with her. Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with
Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of driving drunk with a 1-year-old child in the back seat after allegedly crashing into a parked vehicle and fleeing was was allowed to remain free on a no-cash bail Thursday. Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
Naseem Ramez Hassan, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is accused of possessing a handgun equipped with a 50-round drum magazine during a family altercation and later threatening to get another firearm and shoot his father, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Naseem Ramez Hassan, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Many people move away from cities like Kenosha and into rural communities like Salem Lakes because they want more room, fewer restrictions, and the ability to enjoy their property. An RV parked near the house, a UTV, a four-wheeler, a dirt bike, farm equipment, trailers, or other items that may draw scrutiny in a city environment have long been
Aidan J. Hagerty, 18, and Tae’Angelo R. Adams, 23, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A months-long investigation by the Kenosha County Drug Operations Group (KDOG) led to felony charges against two Kenosha men after detectives say they uncovered THC sales, illegal firearm transactions, and a “ghost gun” that was later connected through ballistic testing to two separate shootings. Aidan
TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A suburban Chicago man was arrested Monday after investigators say he traveled to Twin Lakes to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex following an undercover investigation by the Twin Lakes Police Department.
Now-Fired Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II (D)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly two months after Kenosha County Eye exclusively reported that Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II had been fired, newly released public records confirm that Kenosha County Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg personally made the decision to terminate him
Kenosha Police(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Alanna M. Reyes, 16, of Caledonia, was released Monday on no-cash bail after being charged with felony fleeing or eluding an officer for allegedly taking over the wheel of a stolen vehicle from a 12-year-old boy and leading Kenosha police on a high-speed chase through the City of Kenosha. According to
Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jacob L. Davis, 18, of Trevor, appeared Monday before Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse on misdemeanor charges alleging he repeatedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend through text messages, signed her up for pornography websites without her consent, and was later found in possession of THC vape cartridges. Bouterse found probable cause, entered
Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Andrew A. Lewis, 36, of Kenosha, made his initial appearance Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court after prosecutors charged him with felony failing to comply with Wisconsin’s sex offender registry requirements by allegedly operating an unreported Facebook account for nearly two years. Supplemental Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set a $2,000 cash
RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F (87th Street), where Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine hidden in her underwear. Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services following the retirement of former Director Jennifer Blasi. “Jennifer has done an outstanding
Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony strangulation charges and five additional domestic abuse-related charges after prosecutors say he attacked a woman during two separate incidents on back-to-back days, leaving her with bruises, bite marks, swelling, scratches and other injuries. Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
KENOSHA, Wis. — Keller Williams Thrive will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kenosha office later this month with a community event featuring live music, drinks, food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Keller Williams Thrive Kenosha office, located at 5525 Green Bay Road, Suite 200, will host its grand opening celebration on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7
Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a woman, choking her, stopping her from calling 911, and taking her vehicle posted $7,500 cash bail Friday after a warrant for his arrest remained active for several months. Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha, is facing eight criminal charges, including three felonies, in
Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of his sixth drunk-driving offense was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors say he crashed into a parked vehicle, drove away, and later admitted to police that he drank “a lot” and “too much” before getting behind the wheel. Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of
Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha, was charged with a felony drug offense and three counts of bail jumping after Kenosha Police say they found dozens of ecstasy pills and cocaine hidden inside his bedroom during the execution of a search warrant. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set Butler’s cash bail at $2,000 Friday
Kenosha Police Department(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Steven M. Hunkins, 55, of Kenosha, was charged with felony Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury – 2nd and Subsequent Offense after prosecutors say he caused a two-vehicle crash that sent another driver to the hospital. The case is assigned to Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson after being moved to coincide with a
Pleasant Prairie Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Oscar De Leon, 67, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated after Pleasant Prairie Police say he crashed his Ford Focus, ended up trapped underneath the vehicle, and had to be pulled to safety by an officer. The Class H felony carries a maximum
Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago, was taken into custody after missing court dates in his felony burglary case involving an allegedly stolen $12,000 Can-Am Ryker three-wheeled motorcycle. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier previously issued a $25,000 cash bench warrant after Lawson failed to appear for his June
52 Responses
Now people can see her true colors. She has quite the sordid history of blaming the men in her life of things they did not do.
She sure does.
I have 2nd owi facing jail time what the hell
Can you imagine how many times she has driven drunk and gotten away with it?
Put her in front of Jerkman, maybe they will be able to “work something out”
What a horrible example!
This lady is legit nuts, trust me. I can’t believe they even hired her as an officer! We all dodged a bullet here.
Crazy ass faked being pregnant
Was the baby daddy hot?
One wasn’t enough?!
I’ll keep checking the page. I presume Niccolai will have her hold my beer moment.
LMAO
This is a both an easy and hard situation. In reverse order:
There are situations where an officer has one OWI and has been hired after achieving demonstrated sobriety or has been retained after being convicted of an OWI after a disciplinary suspension, alcohol assessment, compliance with treatment and restoration of driving privileges. The latter is not common but has been done for critical supervisory officers because a road officer would need unrestricted driving privilege to do their jobs. With that out of the way…
The easy part is that a second offender should be history and a third offender is like…WTF.
It took 3 fucking times to be fired! WTF!
She wasn’t an officer when she received her first two
But they hired her anyway??
She was also fired from Glenview for lying. Big shocker.
Long history of domestic abuse with this one! She likes to then blame the men. Pathological liar and obviously has addiction demons.
Can’t believe Kenosha would hire some with this track record. Should’ve known better and seen the writing on the walls.
They’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Below is what a corrupt legal system looks like
Why did ADA Emily Gaertner take a dive in this case?
All I know is Colon should be currently facing an OWI 3rd and mandatory jail time. Instead she is facing another ticket.
This does not happen people.
“Kenosha County Case Number 2023CT000390 State of Wisconsin vs. Lea M. Colon
06-20-2024 Status conference Milisauskas, Anthony Keel, Kimberly
Additional text:
10:43 AM Defendant Lea M. Colon in court. Attorney John Thomas Bayer in court for Lea M. Colon. Attorney Emily K. Gaertner in court for State of Wisconsin. Court Reporter: Kimberly Keel. Clerk Dana A.
MINUTES:
Victim rights compliance.
Attorney Bayer advises that the Refusal was dismissed.
On State’s motion, this case is dismissed.”
We need more context to understand this because Wisconsin’s OWI law is convoluted. Start here:
First offense OWI is a civil offense.
Second offense within ten years is a crime.
Third and subsequent offenses in the defendant’s lifetime are crimes.
Now, if a defendant’s second offense is more than ten years from the first, then legally it’s a first offense so a person can have two first offenses. But it gets more head spinning.
Originally, an implied consent violation (refusal to take the test after an OWI arrest) was counted as a prior conviction. But the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently limited that due to a United States Supreme Court decision to narrow it to only SOME refusal cases.
And then some out-of-state convictions (most) count as priors. But not all especially if plea bargained down.
Bottom line: ADA Gaertner needs to explain what happened.
Great job Chief also great job to Tifton for being a outstanding officer, it’s not easy to do what you had to do, but it is the right thing to do, . thank you
for honoring Kenosha and taking this person off the streets. This is exactly what kpd and ksd need to do, no officer is above the law and should be held accountable.
An OWI doesn’t make her a bad cop. Maybe she has a drinking problem and needs some help, try that instead of firing her.
yes it does make her a bad cop , how many dui has she giving out and then, you can enforce the law and then break it yourself , you are held to a standard when you have the badge and need to set the example , so yes this does make her a bad cop !
Hearty support for Chief who did the right thing, although not the easy thing. Also, hurray to Tifton for being an outstanding officer. The right thing is often not easy to do. I’m proud of both!
Why did Patton hire her in the first place?
Like most PDs you need to reside within the STATE you support and within 15 miles of your district. WTH is she an ILLINOIS resident? She has no skin in the game??? WTH
Residency requirements are on a department to department basis. So that is not factual. Also, check public records. She wasn’t an Illinois resident.
Oh this is gold. Karma came out real quick on that one. Wonder if her fiancé is ready to bail yet. Won’t be long until she starts beating on him and trying to put false DV charges on him
THIS
If he’s not careful she’ll make him lose his job and pension. She has experience doing this.
SHE SURE DOES!! Honestly her poor ex and his family….
You mean the psycho stalker ex who repeatedly punched her? That ex?
Which one there’s too many to count…
I think you should read the comments above. Looks like she’s known for lying. Mentally unstable. With substance abuse issues. Not sure that anybody should believe any claim that this woman has made or does make in the future.
Nice try, she’s a nut case. No one believes her and rightfully so.
She was never “beat” just like she was never pregnant.
Her bf is a cop too?
A fireman
Her last bf was a cop
“…after a long stint as a Joint Services dispatcher.”
Ahhh, did the previous DA not want to charge her because it would have forced her out as a JS employee? Worse yet, would they have STILL kept her on? They do like people with domestic abuse/mental illness issues on their staff.
Was she dispatching while drunk?
Rumor has it she’s been bragging “I’ll just go back to dispatch” and I wouldn’t doubt if they hire her back.
I mean they are hiring
Yikes, clearly she has prob with decision making, not a good idea
Wowzerrs. Yet here I am thinking I couldn’t pass a background check…Cities finest more corrupt than little ol’ me.
Karma caught up to this one. Known liar and drunk. Should not have held this job. What an embarrassment to herself and family and the department. Heard she injured someone on her last dui. Lock her up and throw away the key
She most definitely got taken to pound town from the guys!
Come work for the DOC they will promote you for getting 3 DUI’s
SHE REALLY BE TRYING TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY
Horrible woman. Have witnessed her aggression and have physically pulled her off one of her exes myself, who then was arrested for assault. She was constantly in fights and threatening others, including me. Her father is an ex cop who has countless times gotten her out of DUI’s by turning officers away after she was called on. Since at least 2009 she has had serious issues with drinking and clearly hasn’t learned a single lesson. Lies, fights and performs to win over sympathy. The pain she caused my family, she deserves to be locked away for good. Whole family has bad reputation. It better not take ANOTHER life for justice to be served.