(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
KENOSHA, Wis. — After a four-day jury trial, 49-year-old Joseph L. Llanas of Kenosha was found guilty Friday of felony stalking following months of harassing phone calls, messages, and vandalism directed at his former girlfriend, according to court records.
The jury deliberated for parts of two days before returning a guilty verdict at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 17 before Judge Heather Iverson. Llanas, who had rejected a plea offer before trial, was immediately taken into custody after his bond was revoked. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Trial Proceedings
Jury selection began Oct. 13. Over the next three days, Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Crall presented testimony from multiple Kenosha Police officers, Detective Jason Kenesie, and the victim, who described a pattern of unwanted calls and messages between March and June 2023. Jurors also heard about vandalism in which Llanas allegedly wrote the victim’s name and address on local street signs.
The defense, led by attorney Seth Johnson, called several witnesses and moved for a directed verdict of acquittal after the State rested, but Judge Iverson denied the motion. Closing arguments concluded late Thursday, and the jury began deliberations that afternoon. They returned the next morning with a unanimous guilty verdict.
Case Background
According to the criminal complaint , investigators determined that between March 22 and June 1 of 2023, Llanas repeatedly called and left voicemails for his ex-girlfriend from restricted numbers, often in the early-morning hours. Detectives said Llanas disguised his voice in some of the messages but was still recognizable. In one message, he accused the woman of prostitution and referenced an adult website; in another, he threatened to harm himself if she did not contact him. Officers also discovered that a stop sign near 38th Street and 22nd Avenue had been defaced with her name and address.
Maximum Penalty
Stalking, a Class I felony under Wisconsin Statute 940.32(2), carries a maximum penalty of three years and six months in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted of all counts. Llanas remains jailed pending sentencing.
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