KENOSHA, Wis. — A felony drug case against Nicholas I. Dennis was dismissed earlier this month when no prosecutor appeared at his preliminary hearing, but the case was refiled today and is now back on track.

On October 3, 2025, Dennis was scheduled for a preliminary hearing. Court Commissioner William Michel, who normally presides over prelims, recused himself because he had previously represented Dennis in another drug case. The matter was reassigned to Commissioner Lisa Bouterse and held on the third floor of the main courthouse, a location rarely used for preliminary hearings. When the district attorney’s office did not appear, Bouterse dismissed the case.

Dennis quickly boasted on social media that his charges had been thrown out, telling his followers that the dismissal proved his critics wrong. But that celebration was short-lived. The charges were refiled today, and Dennis is now scheduled for an initial appearance on November 6.

Dennis, 42, had been arrested on September 24 after a $50,000 arrest warrant was issued in August. At his initial appearance, Supplemental Court Commissioner David Hughes reduced his bail to just $500 cash, a move that drew attention inside the courthouse.

According to the criminal complaint, Dennis — who goes by the street name “Memphis” — is accused of selling cocaine and fentanyl during three separate undercover operations conducted by the Kenosha Drug Operations Group.

• October 20, 2023: Investigators allege Dennis sold $200 worth of crack cocaine to a confidential informant in a deal that took place within 1,000 feet of Tremper High School. The substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed 4.3 grams.
• November 6, 2023: Prosecutors say Dennis sold an “eight ball” of crack cocaine for $300 in a parking lot on 75th Street. That location was within 1,000 feet of Christian Life School. Testing showed the substance contained both cocaine and fentanyl, weighing 3.27 grams.
• September 20, 2024: Detectives allege Dennis sold $175 worth of crack cocaine in a parking lot near Sheridan Road and 52nd Street. The meeting spot was within 1,000 feet of the Kenosha County Jail. The substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed 3.1 grams.

Dennis faces four felony counts in the refiled case: three counts of delivery of cocaine and one count of delivery of fentanyl, all enhanced because the deals took place near schools or the jail. If convicted on all charges with penalty enhancers, he faces more than 50 years in prison.

Court records show Dennis is not new to felony drug convictions. In 2011, he pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to deliver THC and was sentenced to five years of probation by Judge Mary Kay Wagner, making him both a convicted felon and a convicted drug dealer.

In recent weeks, Dennis’s online activity has fueled additional controversy. Just hours after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, he wrote, “That was one hell of a shot…” He also posted cryptic and defiant messages, including, “I got ammo,” and mocked those who “hoped and prayed” he would be locked up.

Dennis remains free as he awaits his November 6 initial appearance.

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