(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Tammy Jo Rose, bailiff for Judge Chad Kerkman (D), appeared in court Sept. 18 for her felony identity theft case, where she represented herself pro se, chose to proceed without a lawyer, and made the unusual decision to testify on her own behalf at the preliminary hearing.
The case has already seen multiple recusals. Court Commissioner William Michel II stepped aside, citing conflict. Family Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers initially acknowledged a potential conflict as well but went forward with the hearing. Unlike in a recent high-profile case where constitutional rights were ignored, Smathers carefully advised Rose of her rights before allowing her to proceed without counsel and testify.
Rose argued the incident was a misunderstanding. As part of her defense, she submitted a written exhibit in which she highlighted her work as Judge Kerkman’s bailiff and her past collaboration with former District Attorney Michael Graveley (D)’s office in the foster care program. The document appeared to use her record of public service as a reason the charge should not move forward, essentially and seemingly pleading that she is not a criminal because of her courthouse connections.
Smathers was not swayed. After hearing Rose’s testimony, she found probable cause and bound her over for trial on the felony identity theft charge.
Smathers also ordered Rose to submit her fingerprints and mugshot at the Kenosha County Jail within 48 hours. However, more than a week later, her booking photo does not appear in the publicly available jail roster, raising questions about whether she complied. No action is reflected in court records to address what looks like defiance of the order.
Kenosha County Eye has been told that Rose is no longer serving as Judge Kerkman’s bailiff. Kerkman declined to comment on the situation and refused to answer questions about Rose or her employment status.
Meanwhile, Judge Jodi Meier recused herself, saying she knows Rose personally. Judge Rossell also recused, noting only that he is “familiar” with her. With recusals stacking up and her deep ties to the courthouse, including a direct connection to Judge Kerkman himself, questions loom over whether Rose will be held to the same standards as ordinary defendants facing a serious felony.
Rose faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
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18 Responses
Is “familiarity” a “conflict”? This is interesting stuff. Way to keep on top of things, KCE. Look forward to future updates.
What possible reason is there for “downvoting” this post? It’s basically a question. Or do you not like it that KCE is “keeping on top of things”? Are you two downvoters ignoramuses, or what?
The Grifter Class is not fond of question.
Can someone be loosely affiliated with a certain last name and be allowed to do or say anything they want?
One could say it is curious how Jerry Kerkman was given a plea deal and 59 days of huber work release after allegedly being arrested on charges of 948.02(1) sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age.
Move it to racine like if a cop
Though just that will give her a win.
Every court employee protects every court employee. Regardless
Quid pro quo.
Is it me or is the entire Kenosha County Justice system a complete joke?
You are correct , Sir !
Not a joke, standard. These conflicts have always existed in localities across the nation, but were socially minimized to wise whispers only as local old media did not report them – unless they blew up to full scandal level.
Eye, like establishment-independent investigative journalism (socially marginalized by establishment media), will penetrate the establishment’s veils and reveal the details of greased-skid conflicts.
Unfortunately it’s not you 🙁
so this pig looking woman is just going to walk on serious felony charges??
They pay bailiffs 10 bucks an hour.
She’s worth every penny.
Bill Michel stepped aside ? 🤡
One word CURRUPTION
Make Kenoshans Great Spellers Again!
corruption, you mean
Judge Kerkman hired her with the intent to irritate the Roses, as well as their colleagues and friends. It was a way of saying, “I rule here. I don’t care how badly this woman betrayed your trust or kept your money.” She worked there as a bailiff for a few weeks and then went MIA. Kerkman and Tammy’s toxic message was clearly conveyed. A very sick game.
She testified at her own preliminary hearing. Now she has insanity as a defense.
Now we’re getting somewhere. Interesting!