Wilmot High School Reportedly Allowed Man Charged With Possessing Child Pornography To Attend Classes, Enraging Parents

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Wilmot Principal Rob Kreil [email protected] (Left)
Wilmot District Administrator Christy Weinstock [email protected] (Right)

WILMOT, Wis. — Less than 24 hours after being charged with five felony counts of possessing child pornography and released without posting a cent of bail, 17-year-old Jason A. Kotarba was reportedly allowed to attend classes Wednesday at Wilmot Union High School — a decision that has outraged parents, students, and community members. Kotarba, according to the criminal complaint, thinks “3-10 year-olds are the hottest…I don’t like babies, they cry too much.”

Principal Rob Kreil and District Administrator Christy Weinstock both confirmed awareness of the criminal charges, but according to parents contacted by Kenosha County Eye, permitted Kotarba to return to school. Neither Kreil nor Weinstock would speak to Kenosha County Eye despite multiple attempts for comment. The school board president and all other members also declined to respond.

Parents expressed shock and anger over reports that the administration allowed Kotarba to be on campus after the disturbing allegations were made public. The criminal complaint accuses him of using a Discord account to trade and view illegal videos involving minors. He faces up to 17½ years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Jason A. Kotarba, 17, of Twin Lakes
(Yearbook
)

The above is the only photo KCE has of Kotarba. Kerkman allowed him to bypass being booked and photographed and we couldn’t take a photo in court due to Kerkman’s unconstitutional ban on KCE photographing in intake court.

Parent Reactions

One mother, who has two children attending Wilmot High School, told KCE:

“As a parent of two high school students at Wilmot I think it’s sickening that they are allowing the student to be on campus. As I was speaking with a group of friends about this today, one of them did speak to the principal and she was told there are protocols and a plan in place for his safety. His safety?! What about all the other students in the building?!

It is 11:40 at night and we as parents still have not received any information from the school informing us about anything to help us feel safe about our children in school with a child who has been arrested for pending charges like those. My children will not be in attendance tomorrow and it’s unfortunate that these absences will count against them due to the school not keeping children safe.”

Parent Chynee Lewkowicz shared similar frustration, saying:

“My daughter just told me about this today! So beyond upset with the outcome! She will not be attending school tomorrow!”

Another parent, Tara Nichole, told KCE:

“My daughter goes to school here, also went to grade and middle school with him. She told me today he’s still at school with all of this going on. They need to do the right thing and remove him! He’s a predator. I’m in shock by the judge’s ruling allowing him out without bond, and rather than E-schooling he is in the building. So very disgusting. Tomorrow is going to be a walk-my-child-into-school day and demand answers.”

Judge Chad Kerkman (D) and Commissioner Bill Michel (D)
(File Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

[email protected] and [email protected]

Court and Public Reaction

Kotarba was charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court and released after Court Commissioner William Michel II ignored prosecutors’ request for a $10,000 cash bail. Multiple courthouse sources told KCE that Judge Chad Kerkman — who handled the case before Michel — may have instructed Michel to grant a no-cash release.

The decision drew widespread backlash online and on talk radio. Conservative host Dan O’Donnell discussed the case on his Wednesday morning program, calling the court’s decision “an outrage.” A courthouse insider told KCE:

“Bill Michel doesn’t have a backbone and it’s unlikely he’ll grow a pair to ever do the right thing.”

As of late Wednesday night, no message or alert had been sent to Wilmot parents regarding Kotarba’s purported presence at school. Multiple parents told KCE they plan to keep their children home until the district takes action.

Kotarba’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 4 in Kenosha County Circuit Court.

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119 Responses

  1. Let me start by saying that I totally agree with the students and parents who are upset about him being in the classroom. I would also think that the school district could possibly have some lawsuits on their hands if they didn’t. No matter what the allegations are right now, he’s innocent until proven guilty ( even though people aren’t often treated that way. ) denying him access to the education that is mandatory for him to attend could also be looked at as discrimination against him. The school district doesn’t want to deal with the issues legally that could come about because they denied him access to his education. The legal system is an extremely corrupt broken and incompetent system in the government right now here in Wisconsin. Pedos need to get higher bonds & harsher sentry then what they have been… it keeps continuing here because the people doing it aren’t afraid of the consequences anymore because they are seeing other people walking out the jail door and have 12 hours a day to “work.” That’s not a jail sentence, that’s Literally a “hotel “ to them until the sentence is complete.

    Sorry for the long comment on this one…

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    1. Agreed. Broken justice system.. similar to people who have 3-4 OWI’s and they are still released, out there driving drunk, killing people, due to lenient laws. Profits over people, thanks to the Tavern league. It’s revolting.

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    2. He can do remote learning. Clearly the school is equipped for that since it was forced on all the kids during Covid. Common sense is not wilmots strong suit. Big problem when the courts see him as an adult, yet the school treats him like a child. Can’t have it both ways.

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      1. Can’t do remote school due to him not being allowed to use electronics or anything that uses the internet…. My son goes to Wilmot and this kid is in his 7th and 8th hour. My son said the kid is in one room all day because of threats of violence against him 🙄. I get legally the kid has to go to school but think it’s time he’s homeschooled. I wasn’t notified that this kid was back at school. My son sent me the article about the kid being released on a signature bond….

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        1. He was seen walking around freely with out protection against for other students. Why as a parent would you send your child to school after being charged for child porn. My first action would be to send him to treatment.

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    3. The judge could have ordered virtual learning, he didn’t have to allow him back in school, his upcoming trial is bot even two weeks away. This judge and commissioner are notorious for protecting the criminal.

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        1. Which is the dumbest shit ever because they are REQUIRED to use a Chromebook and internet even in school. What a fucking joke.

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        2. but he can use internet to send a shooting threat to wilmot on discord? i think its time to get him away from 13-17 year olds. the school system is failing these children and their safety.

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    4. They can at LEAST expel him for having inappropriate videos on his school issues chromebook. Kids will gets suspended for such silly things all the time.

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      1. … for the administration at Wilmot.
        Send out this news release;

        “By court order this student is not allowed to use electronic devices. As part of the curriculum at Wilmot Union High School we require students to utilize electronic devices as part of their learning experience.
        Therefore by the decision of the administrator and the Wilmot Union High School Board this student is hereby suspended from attending classes in the building and furthermore not allowed on campus for any activity until the judicial process has run its course and a judge releases him from the electronic restrictions.
        Additionally Wilmot Union High School Board reserves the right to then reevaluate the situation and further restrict the student from any or all academic or other activities.
        At this time expulsion is not appropriate but Wilmot Union High School reserves the right to utilize this option in the future.”

        Students have been suspended for far less than this. This administration and board need to error on the side of the full student population and the families of these students by removing this student from school.
        It is not the problem of the school or families of these students to subject themselves to this obviously troubled student.
        This students family are the only people that need to be affected by this student’s actions.
        It is totally on the family to decide how to continue with this student’s education going forward.

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    5. Since I can’t comment on the regular page. This is why Wilmot is loosing enrollment. The whole liberal actions in this school are disgusting. This is why my Grandsons transferred to another school. Let’s ruin the sports in this school with DEI, now let’s ruin the rest of the school.I hate knowing my taxes are.paying for this crap.

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      1. What DEI the school is 95% White. Then move to the school district where your grandson goes, easy fixed. Wilmot is a good school, it has flaws but my 3rd child is graduating from there and all 3 of them were on the High Honor Roll for the 4 years.

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      2. Well at least he wasn’t jacking it in the girls locker room in front of girls like the boy was doing for weeks over at Westosha Central………….. PS he was doing this with the administration and teachers knowing about it.

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    6. If the law states that the student has a right to an education, then they need to offer him alternative, such as on-line school. He should not be allowed in the building with other students.

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    7. Wilmot currently has an online program. They could easily enforce that he has to attend online. He was caught with it on his school Chromebook. Why is that not being addressed?

    8. My son got in trouble at Wilmot and a court case for nothing even close to this and we were told he had no right to an education. He was not allowed back and expelled. This kid gets to stroll through campus and continue his education until trial?

    9. I disagree. He can go to a school for troubled teenagers. He can do e-schooling. There is absolutely no law stating he has to be in a high school where others are forced to feel unsafe so one student gets his rights. There are many other options open to him that doesn’t endanger or disrupt other students.

  2. What is the reasoning for allowing a pedohpile to stay in school?? I cannot think of a single one. Even if we are assuming innocence until proven guilty, when it comes to children they need to err on the side of caution and suspend him until everything is sorted out. We are in an era where remote learning is a possibility so do that. I cannot believe the lack of discernment with these people that we pay to be in charge of the well being of our kids.

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  3. My child attends this school, but will not be reporting for classes until this “person” is completely removed. I question the school’s and the commissioner’s judgment for even allowing him to walk free (without bond) much less attend classes. Not 100% proven guilty yet, but any idiot can see that he should NOT be around kids!

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      1. Let’s not call a child names or encourage bullying, we’re adults. There is a reason why he is this way people need to start looking at the family and why his mental health has not been addressed or perhaps the school has isn’t made suggestions to the family about the things that they have noticed about this child so many things have been overlookedMental illness needs to be addressed. Sad future for our kids.

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        1. No, bullying is exactly what he needs to straighten him out. This crap didn’t propagate when people got their ass kicked for it.

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        2. Mf needs to be hung!!! There’s are people with actual problems n mental illness n don’t even think twice about doing something such as this ur probably a child touched aswell gross bitch!

  4. My child will not be attending school today. One posted on FB that Jason threatened violence at the school today. I have no clue if it’s true or how she knows but I’m not risking it.

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    1. IT WASN’T HIM THAT MADE THE THREAT, AND EMAIL CAME OUT IN THE MORNING THAT IT WAS NOT CREDIBLE AND THAT THERE WERE GOING TO BE EXTRA SHERIFF’S AT SCHOOL

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    1. That’s because he is also the whole staff including the school officer NOT A SECOND in the day where u won’t find guy talking to sum little girl !

        1. As a former wilmot student, me and multiple people caught him taking a video of the cheerleaders on his personal phone while they were stunting

  5. In cases where young people have gone this far astray, the parents should be charged as well. 17 is still a child, he’s still in high school, and his parent have clearly done very wrong by him.

      1. The parents are clearly losers. When the lack of discipline leads to… this… one must look at the situation from an, “Is this neglect?” standpoint.

        Have the parents been so neglectful of their child, that we now have a criminal on our hands?

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      2. I can’t believe the times we are living in! Wrong is right, criminals get off for big offenses and the innocent suffer. Kerkman needs to be investigated as well as Michel! Our justice system in Kenosha is a joke! These poor students have to put up with incompetent judges, DAs, principles and teachers. Enough is enough already!!!

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  6. He’s not a man by any stretch. If this happened back in the day, that kid would be running for his life after school.
    And, he certainly would have had his ass kicked multiple times. HE would be the one afraid to go to school.
    Again, somebody PLEASE kick the shit out of this punk.

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    1. You are correct. No matter the age, a creepy, immature sexual pervert needs to be called out and dealt with so they can change their ways.

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      1. Yes, HJ IS RIGHT. Even creepy perverted immature old men need to have someone kick their ass until they stop bragging about their middle school sexual conquests as a teenaged rock star.

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  7. I understand the significance of every child having the right to an education, but it’s equally crucial for them to feel safe at school. Unfortunately, my daughter doesn’t feel safe. Yesterday, she saw the “accused” walking the halls. My husband and I prioritize her safety above all else. Despite the principle of innocence until proven guilty, he has admitted to committing the acts.

    Parents, please keep your children home. The school has a responsibility to protect our kids. Until the administration takes action and addresses the situation in a sensible and moral manner, providing complete transparency to the parents, we must make the best decision for our children.

    The entire situation is absurd.

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  8. My daughter attends Wilmot Union with him also. She said that he has always struck her as a little different but she is shocked and sickened at the current allegations. She woke up this morning SOBBING and scared to go to school, showing me posts from other parents in which violence was mentioned. Innocent until guilty is part of our broken judicial system but why should the truly innocent be the ones suffering consequences because he is allowed to still attend.

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    1. I am so sorry for your daughter and the other children forced to be in school with this pig. Go to the school board meetings, complain to the DOJ, confront the principal and administrator–band together. Do not let this fall by the wayside!

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      1. I have and I have contacted the school regarding this issue. Apparently I’m not the only one as they have sent out a “follow up communication” basically explaining this young mans rights, which I already know, it just doesn’t put minds at ease. There are younger students at Wilmot as there is in any high school. Freshman aren’t far off of the age 3-10 “which he thinks is hot”. It is just frustrating as a parent and as a student (my daughter) to even have to worry about this. Such an uncomfortable feeling 🙁

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        1. lol nice try troll. Libs are trying to push their rainbow religion on every kid and act shocked when they all turn into perverts. That’s what the rainbow jihad is all about.

  9. All of this happening and caputo blames Kevin on the sheriff’s facebook post. The fucken left are so lost it’s insane. A student with child crap and then a threat and she blames Kevin. This is the left ladies and gentlemen

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    1. She’s a hypocrite and a loser. She runs to that Niccolai site to post in hope her 4 other dem friends will all play along and talk shit

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  10. This is reprehensible, and more reasons to pull your kids out of public schools. Either send them to private schools or homeschool them. The schools are supposed to keep the children in their care safe! What good are mandated reporters, who are all of the teachers and staff at Wilmot HS, if they are putting the other children in danger? Also, Kerkman and Michels need to be investigated for allowing so many predators on the streets to continually harm the public. They don’t care about anyone, especially children!

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  11. I graduated high school at Wilmot as a class of 2025 I have heard rumors of this guy Touching himself in the bathroom stalls and he also acts weird always protecting his Chromebook and phone like it’s his lifeline I always knew something about him was off I just couldn’t figure out what But Now we know

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  12. There are a lot of kids not going back until this pos is Out of there.
    This woke garbage has got to stop, period.
    This piece of garbage should be incarcerated.
    Held with zero bail, and not allowed to walk freely in school.
    What the hell is wrong with those who are Supposed to enforce laws, Supposed to protect our kids?
    Im told there are 3 or 4 other “kids” at Wilmot with minitoring ankle brackets???
    What happened to sending violent criminal students to Wales? Prison for youths? In this case, this scum punk is old enough to be charged as an adult, stick his butt in county jail until trial, Not just allow him to walk freely in the school he has threatened and broke the very laws he is charged with.

    We thought county schools were better then in Kenosha, turns out they really are no better, and in some cases worse. First we hear of the transgender guy in girls locker rooms at Central, with staff excusing and allowing it, now a known, threatening pedo at
    Wilmot.
    Public Schools Suck thanks to lefty woke ideologies.

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    1. He will be tried as an adult in November. It’s so so sick and sad. I have so many questions that I would love for the school to answer.

  13. What is the wilmot officer doing about this!? What role does he play ? And what actions does he take to protect all the Students he’s responsible for?

    Curious minds inquiring 🧐

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    1. The School Resource Officer (SRO) does nothing.

      You would think any student or adult can walk up to the SRO and make a complaint or accusation and the SRO would not just start an investigation but detain the student until his superiors, and a Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney and the students parents could get to the school.

      While I am big supporter of having a police presence in the schools their lack of training on how to respond to problems of this type is disappointing.

    2. Im a student at wilmot and the officers and teachers have done absolutely nothing. They were told to watch him at all times and that he needed to be escorted everywhere multiple students have walked passed him terrified because no teacher is escorting him anywhere.. also might as well shut down at this point because what was there 70 kids today and most of them left before the end of the day i will not be attending till I know he is gone

    3. He cant do anything I tried to talk to him about a kid stalking me and my friend and they said that we dont go to the SRO we have to run it through the administration first so we wrote a report on the person and he said we were bullying him and that the SRO was NOT To be involved

  14. Goddamn woke libtards need to put the foot down and get this kid in the slammer, this school is too far left and full of liberal sissy’s and letting this pedo walk freely #Justice #Wilmot

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  15. This POSSSSS needs to get out of here he is disgusting as one of my grandkids told me about him and his plumbers crack they need to teach this kid a lesson cause if he did this back in my day he would have been man handled, done, no longer this ridiculous and they better figure this out before I come down there and figure it out for them.

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  16. Woke lefties are a cancer on society.
    We have to rid the government, our school systems of these demented nut cases losers who allow and excuse this degenerate stuff.

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  17. Damn Back in my days we never used to have these issues if I ever wanted to crank my hog I definitely didn’t have time for it and especially not at school that is just disgusting I was to busy working 36 hour days for my blue collar job also my neck is red living off energy drinks and marlboro reds and Trump will do the right thing I know it. God Bless America. #Bluecollar #Trump #Rahhh #MAGA #Brunt #Timberland #Lululemon

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  18. If you were my kiddos I would have been very disappointed in you this man has his crack out all the time you could fit about $67 worth of quarters in his slot machine this guy is just deeeesugsting and I know I raced my kids wayyyyy better than you liberal sissy your quite literally the definition of someone who votes for that Kamala harris I knew we need more people like me and you just an example #Rahhh #MAGA #woke #liberal

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  19. My cousin/boyfriend Jason was like a brother to me, same taste too. I cant believe he is being locked up. Free my brotha mane.

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  20. I cant belive my son is being convited of for these things!?!?! This is a normal thing in our household and should not be judged for it. Free my son now?!??!!! #JerkinFam #Normalize #CP

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  21. Why are we letting a sex offender walk in the halls of our school?

    Genuinely, as a student I don’t know if I want to attend the school while he’s here. It’s just makes me feel unsafe and I can only imagine how others feel as well.
    Like for example, as of today a majority of students had left the school for the sake of their safety, and what did the school administrators do? They just sat back, sent out an email saying everything will be fine and just let it all fly by?

    Another thing, Jason had been found with 5 counts of child pornography held on his school computer. Judge Kerkman just decided to go easy and bail him out. Plus the school didn’t even expel him. They said they couldn’t do anything due to it not being on school property. (The computer is school property)
    The least they could have done was expel him for his actions.
    That’s for one thing not against the law.

    please wilmot do better.

  22. Im a student at wilmot, when we asked the main principal about it he said and I quote “Not the first or last article made about me, looks like im famous.” While laughing about the article about him ” im still getting paid so I don’t care.” Along with “my wife makes tripple than me I should just retire at this point.” Most of the students and parents are being notified about what he has said meanwhile this morning he send a big paragraph about SuSo (Speak up Speak out) and bro goes and says that lowkey messed up😬 honestly the students kept each other way more safe than any of the teachers did

    1. Also thank you so much to the central kids they’ve checked up on us all day along with letting everyone at central aware of the situation and honestly I thought wilmot was gonna be better with safety but bro as a freshman having to put my life in danger ive never had a teacher who hasn’t cared about my safety and the students around me but wilmot has clearly showed us wrong great job bender and kreil

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  23. At what point is the public gonna start demanding much tougher punishments for crimes against kids? I think most of us would be fine with death 😀

  24. Also thank you so much to the central kids they’ve checked up on us all day along with letting everyone at central aware of the situation and honestly I thought wilmot was gonna be better with safety but bro as a freshman having to put my life in danger ive never had a teacher who hasn’t cared about my safety and the students around me but wilmot has clearly showed us wrong great job bender and kreil

  25. LOL they let Jimmy Padlock walk after having an alleged grooming session with a 16 year old soccer player. Jeffery Moore, associate director at AT&T and Twin Lakes resident with 2 daughter who attended Wilmot at the time, spoke in favor of keep Jimmy at the school board meeting where he was shown the door. Jeff, called Jimmy a “good man.”

    The history of grooming at Wilmot has a long history!

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    1. The place is disgusting most of the higher up admin have all been suspected of liking children by the students who LITERALLY go to the school SMH place needs new staff ASAP

  26. As a Grandmother of a student and having raised boys who got suspended in school for a lot less HE SHOULD BE SUSPENDED until his court case OR EXPELLED !!!!

    1. Yeah sadly this school is just a CP warzone all the gross ass teachers probably have there own discord. Gross ass people don’t give a single fuck about anything! Like I said god forbid a kid like smoke but CP is all good 😭 WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. the whole staff needs prison for life!

  27. If there letting a student get away with this just imagine what the teachers are doing wilmot is truly a disgusting place Mr.Kriel was literally fired from his last school job for doing weird stuff with children!!! Also judge kirkman is disgusting too he most definitely has cp on his devices as well buddy said nah this is all good like what! god forbid a kid hit some nic or smoke weed but child pornography is fine you people are disgusted and need serious help!

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  28. Kriel, christy, and bender all deserve to go to prison as well if there supporting CP!!! They all have been weird in the pass especially kriel and bender they some lil chomos and deserve to get touched n fired truly disgusting work by “administration”

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  29. the officer at school is most definitely a child predator as well there’s not a second in the day where this guy isn’t talking to a little girl ! Buddy most definitely likes children n should be fired as well!!! rather have a school cop who doesn’t love children and supports acts such as these -_-

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  30. Hope the judge, kriel, bender, jason, bitchoff, n christy all go to prison for life you guys don’t deserve to see another day if this is how we’re operating!

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  31. also weird how we’re blaming such actions on “mental illness” there are people with real fucking problems in there life and never once thought of doing what you guys promote!!!

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  32. yeah i do be messing with jason on the low he my day 1 hope he gets freed god bless. Hes a good guy when you get to meet him thats all im saying.

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KENOSHA, Wis. — Business and property owners along one of Kenosha’s busiest commercial corridors now have an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to improve their buildings. The City of Kenosha announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that applications are officially open for the new 52nd Street Corridor Grant Program, an initiative designed to encourage private investment, improve commercial properties and

Highway W To Close In Downtown Wilmot This Weekend For Major Construction Project

WILMOT, Wis. — Motorists traveling through downtown Wilmot this weekend will need to find alternate routes as Kenosha County prepares for a full closure of Highway W beginning Friday night, October 16, 2026, and continuing through early Monday morning, October 19. According to an October 13 construction update from Kenosha County, Highway W will be completely closed between Highway C west (114th Street)

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Body-Slamming Ex-Girlfriend To Ground In Front Of Her Child, Fighting Armed Neighbor Who Came To Her Rescue — $1,300 Cash Bail

Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing four criminal charges after prosecutors say he violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, threw her to the ground in front of her child, and fought with an armed neighbor who intervened after hearing the woman screaming for help. Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha, appeared Wednesday, October 14, 2026,

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Two Ex-Boyfriends Accused Of Showing Up At Kenosha Woman’s Home Together At 1:30 A.M., Threatening Her And Damaging Doors — Kellum Sets $350 Cash Bail Each

Quienton I. Koker, 27, of Kenosha and Zachary J. Larson, 34, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two men who previously dated the same Kenosha woman are facing criminal charges after police say they showed up together at her home in the middle of the night, screamed insults and threats, and allegedly damaged her doors while two children slept inside.

Sources: Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton Appointed Next City Administrator, Pending Common Council Approval

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton has been selected by Mayor David Bogdala to become the next City Administrator for the City of Kenosha, according to a source within City Hall. The appointment is subject to approval by the Kenosha Common Council, which is expected to approve the selection. Patton would replace longtime City Administrator John Morrissey, who announced earlier this

16-Year-Old Identified In Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm Gun Scare Had Prior Weapons-Related Police Contacts; Juvenile Court Hearing Expected This Week

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 16-year-old accused of bringing a handgun into the corn maze at Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, one of Kenosha County’s most beloved family destinations, has been identified by Kenosha County Eye as Jose Emanuel Cruz. The teenager was detained Friday evening, October 9, 2026, after security personnel reported a possible armed individual inside the popular attraction. Deputies ultimately recovered an

We Warned That Someone Could Die: Now A Man Released By “Catch & Release” Kellum Is Dead — Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — Setting bail for defendants accused of violent crimes or sexual assaults, especially those involving children, is among the most consequential decisions made in a courtroom. Get it wrong, and innocent people can be hurt or killed. Kenosha County Eye has repeatedly criticized Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum for releasing defendants accused of serious crimes on no-cash bail. This

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Kenosha Man, 28, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Girl At Pleasant Prairie Beach, Telling Her He Had Been Watching Her Since She Was 10 – Only $10,000 Cash Bail Set

Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 28-year-old Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a Pleasant Prairie beach after allegedly telling her he had been watching her since she was 10 years old was arrested Monday on a warrant issued three months ago. Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha, appeared in

Meet K-9 Kai: Pleasant Prairie Police Department Welcomes New Electronic Detection Dog To Help Investigate Crimes Against Children

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — The Pleasant Prairie Police Department has a new four-legged crime fighter, and her specialty is finding electronic devices that criminals may try to hide. K-9 Kai, a two-year-old English Labrador retriever, was officially welcomed into the department during Monday night’s Village Board meeting on October 12, 2026. Kai will work alongside Detective Jim Hackney, helping investigators locate electronic evidence,

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Kenosha Man, 22, Charged With Admitted Sexual Assaults Of Two Relatives – $35,000 Cash Bail Set

Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 22-year-old Kenosha man is facing four serious felony charges after police say he admitted to sexually assaulting two relatives approximately nine years ago, when the alleged victims were as young as five years old. Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Tuesday, October 13,

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Man High On Meth And Psychedelic Drugs Claims He Is ‘The Chosen One,’ Fights Deputies Over ‘Demons’ In Squad Car, Damages Fireworks Store: $1,500 Cash Bail

Jesse P. Miller, 37, of Oak Creek(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 37-year-old Oak Creek man who allegedly admitted using methamphetamine and the powerful psychedelic drug DMT, claimed he was “the chosen one,” fought Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies over imaginary demons inside a squad car, and damaged a fireworks store was charged Tuesday with four criminal offenses. Jesse P. Miller appeared

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Illinois Man Charged With Second-Offense OWI After Nearly Striking Kenosha County Deputy Head-On At 80 MPH: Loaded Handgun And 12 Vodka Bottles Found In SUV

Suril B. Patel, 55, of Richmond, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 55-year-old Richmond, Illinois, man is facing two criminal misdemeanor charges after authorities say he nearly struck a Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy head-on while driving approximately 80 mph, then was discovered with a loaded handgun and 12 miniature vodka bottles inside his SUV. Suril B. Patel was charged Tuesday, October

A Dying Kenosha News: Faded Newspaper Boxes, A Chipped Window And Dwindling Square Feet Tell The Story Of A Once-Mighty Local Newspaper

KENOSHA, Wis. — A chipped window, a police investigation involving questions about Mexican landscapers, an increasingly empty newsroom, and yet another move into a smaller office space. For the once-mighty Kenosha News, the signs of decline are becoming difficult to ignore. In May, Kenosha police responded to a complaint involving a damaged window at the newspaper’s Green Bay Road location. An officer approached

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Former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested For OWI, Booked In “Turtle Suit”

Kenosha Sheriff David W. Zoerner (D) and Former Deputy Austin J. Nehls KENOSHA, Wis. – A 32-year-old former Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputy who was sworn into office just last year was arrested Friday, October 9, 2026, for operating while intoxicated (OWI), according to Kenosha County Jail records. Austin James Nehls, of Kenosha, was booked into the jail wearing what is commonly called a

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Newly Obtained Records Confirm Kenosha Prison Sergeant Fired For Sexually Harassing Coworker, Kissing Her Neck, Offering Money For Sex And Using State Cellphone For Sexual Messages

Former Sgt. Melvin Bean Jr.Kenosha Correctional Center 6353 14th Ave(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Newly obtained Wisconsin Department of Corrections investigative records confirm that former Kenosha Correctional Center Sgt. Melvin Bean Jr. was fired on March 2, 2026, after investigators determined he sexually harassed a female coworker, including unwanted physical contact, and misused his taxpayer-funded cellphone for personal

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Kenosha Police Raid Home, Seize Nearly 5.3 Pounds Of Marijuana, 19 Plants And Two Shotguns: Convicted Felon Held On $25,000 Cash Bail

Timothy Robert Barden, 54, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents of the Allendale neighborhood may have been surprised Friday when officers with the Kenosha Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a home on Third Avenue. What began as a complaint about marijuana plants growing in a backyard turned into a major drug investigation involving nearly 5.3

Kenosha County Honors Unsung Heroes Who Care For Older Adults And People With Disabilities

KENOSHA, Wis. — They are the unsung heroes of our community. They care for our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and people living with disabilities. They often work long hours, providing essential care, companionship, and comfort to some of Kenosha County’s most vulnerable residents. Recently, those caregivers were the guests of honor at a special luncheon recognizing their contributions to the community. The Kenosha

Riverport Chorus Holiday Craft Fair Coming To Wilmot November 7: More Than 50 Vendors Expected, Santa To Make Special Appearance

WILMOT, Wis. — Holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts, handmade crafts, delicious treats and a chance to visit Santa Claus will have an opportunity to enjoy all of that and more when the Riverport Chorus hosts its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Wilmot Union High School. The family-friendly event will feature more than 50 vendors, a popular bake

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Kenosha Man Accused Of High-Speed Police Chase, Drunken Crash That Injured Passenger – $10,000 Cash Bail Set

Eric James Rogers, 37, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Residence at 60th Avenue and 85th St in Pleasant Prairie (Photo by Incident Response) KENOSHA, Wis. – Eric James Rogers, 37, of Kenosha, was charged Monday with two felonies and three misdemeanors stemming from two separate incidents in Pleasant Prairie. Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set a $10,000 cash bail Monday afternoon in the

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Exclusive Interview: Kenosha’s Next City Administrator Patrick Patton Says Mayor Bogdala’s Vision Convinced Him To Take Job

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, 43, who became the city’s youngest police chief in 2023, is now poised to become Kenosha’s youngest city administrator. In an exclusive interview with Kenosha County Eye Wednesday evening, Patton discussed his decision to accept Mayor David Bogdala’s appointment, his strong belief in the mayor’s vision for Kenosha, and his plans to bring the leadership

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Kenosha Man, 41, Charged With Sixth OWI After Crash, Allegedly Kicks Police Officer, Yells Racial Slurs: $15,000 Cash Bail Set

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 41-year-old Kenosha man with five previous drunk driving convictions is facing three new criminal charges after police say he crashed a vehicle, fled the scene, hid from officers, kicked a Kenosha police officer and repeatedly shouted racial and homophobic slurs at police and hospital staff. Steven J. Levendoski, 41, of Kenosha, was charged Monday, October 12, with felony sixth-offense

City Of Kenosha Agrees To $450,000 Settlement With Fired Cop’s Sexual Assault Accuser, 2025 Drunk Driving Suspect Who Threatened Police

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha and former Kenosha Police Officer Joshua T. Sylvester have agreed to a $450,000 settlement with Alessandra Dashawn Doby, a Kenosha woman who accused Sylvester of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated and in police custody in August 2022. The settlement ends a federal civil-rights lawsuit filed by Doby, whose attorney, Keenan J. Saulter, previously attempted

Kenosha Father Found Guilty Of Two Felony Child Abuse Charges Following Three-Day Jury Trial

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha father was found guilty Wednesday, October 14, 2026, of two felony counts of recklessly causing bodily harm to a child following a three-day jury trial in Kenosha County Circuit Court. The unanimous verdict was returned at approximately 1:35 p.m. before Judge Jodi L. Meier. Assistant District Attorney Vincent “Vince” Kurta prosecuted the case, while private defense attorney

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Wisconsin Man With History Of Domestic Violence Accused Of Punching Fiancée In Mouth While Out On Bail For Allegedly Abusing Same Woman — Four Felony Charges Filed

Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, 38, of Kenosha(facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 38-year-old Wilton, Wisconsin, man with a history of domestic violence convictions is facing four felony charges after prosecutors say he punched his fiancée in the mouth while driving through Kenosha, despite being out on bail in another felony domestic abuse case involving the same woman. Sean Patrick Lavenduskey, who is currently in custody,

Kenosha Announces New $10,000 Grant Program For 52nd Street Businesses, Reminds Uptown Businesses Of Available Funding

KENOSHA, Wis. — Business and property owners along one of Kenosha’s busiest commercial corridors now have an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to improve their buildings. The City of Kenosha announced Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that applications are officially open for the new 52nd Street Corridor Grant Program, an initiative designed to encourage private investment, improve commercial properties and

Highway W To Close In Downtown Wilmot This Weekend For Major Construction Project

WILMOT, Wis. — Motorists traveling through downtown Wilmot this weekend will need to find alternate routes as Kenosha County prepares for a full closure of Highway W beginning Friday night, October 16, 2026, and continuing through early Monday morning, October 19. According to an October 13 construction update from Kenosha County, Highway W will be completely closed between Highway C west (114th Street)

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Body-Slamming Ex-Girlfriend To Ground In Front Of Her Child, Fighting Armed Neighbor Who Came To Her Rescue — $1,300 Cash Bail

Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man is facing four criminal charges after prosecutors say he violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, threw her to the ground in front of her child, and fought with an armed neighbor who intervened after hearing the woman screaming for help. Robert Norman, 47, of Kenosha, appeared Wednesday, October 14, 2026,

Plus +

Two Ex-Boyfriends Accused Of Showing Up At Kenosha Woman’s Home Together At 1:30 A.M., Threatening Her And Damaging Doors — Kellum Sets $350 Cash Bail Each

Quienton I. Koker, 27, of Kenosha and Zachary J. Larson, 34, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two men who previously dated the same Kenosha woman are facing criminal charges after police say they showed up together at her home in the middle of the night, screamed insults and threats, and allegedly damaged her doors while two children slept inside.

Sources: Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton Appointed Next City Administrator, Pending Common Council Approval

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton has been selected by Mayor David Bogdala to become the next City Administrator for the City of Kenosha, according to a source within City Hall. The appointment is subject to approval by the Kenosha Common Council, which is expected to approve the selection. Patton would replace longtime City Administrator John Morrissey, who announced earlier this

16-Year-Old Identified In Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm Gun Scare Had Prior Weapons-Related Police Contacts; Juvenile Court Hearing Expected This Week

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 16-year-old accused of bringing a handgun into the corn maze at Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, one of Kenosha County’s most beloved family destinations, has been identified by Kenosha County Eye as Jose Emanuel Cruz. The teenager was detained Friday evening, October 9, 2026, after security personnel reported a possible armed individual inside the popular attraction. Deputies ultimately recovered an

We Warned That Someone Could Die: Now A Man Released By “Catch & Release” Kellum Is Dead — Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — Setting bail for defendants accused of violent crimes or sexual assaults, especially those involving children, is among the most consequential decisions made in a courtroom. Get it wrong, and innocent people can be hurt or killed. Kenosha County Eye has repeatedly criticized Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum for releasing defendants accused of serious crimes on no-cash bail. This

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 28, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Girl At Pleasant Prairie Beach, Telling Her He Had Been Watching Her Since She Was 10 – Only $10,000 Cash Bail Set

Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 28-year-old Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a Pleasant Prairie beach after allegedly telling her he had been watching her since she was 10 years old was arrested Monday on a warrant issued three months ago. Lee A. Campbell III, 28, of Kenosha, appeared in

Meet K-9 Kai: Pleasant Prairie Police Department Welcomes New Electronic Detection Dog To Help Investigate Crimes Against Children

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — The Pleasant Prairie Police Department has a new four-legged crime fighter, and her specialty is finding electronic devices that criminals may try to hide. K-9 Kai, a two-year-old English Labrador retriever, was officially welcomed into the department during Monday night’s Village Board meeting on October 12, 2026. Kai will work alongside Detective Jim Hackney, helping investigators locate electronic evidence,

Plus +

Kenosha Man, 22, Charged With Admitted Sexual Assaults Of Two Relatives – $35,000 Cash Bail Set

Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 22-year-old Kenosha man is facing four serious felony charges after police say he admitted to sexually assaulting two relatives approximately nine years ago, when the alleged victims were as young as five years old. Jacob James Sheedlo, 22, of Kenosha, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Tuesday, October 13,

Plus +

Man High On Meth And Psychedelic Drugs Claims He Is ‘The Chosen One,’ Fights Deputies Over ‘Demons’ In Squad Car, Damages Fireworks Store: $1,500 Cash Bail

Jesse P. Miller, 37, of Oak Creek(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 37-year-old Oak Creek man who allegedly admitted using methamphetamine and the powerful psychedelic drug DMT, claimed he was “the chosen one,” fought Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies over imaginary demons inside a squad car, and damaged a fireworks store was charged Tuesday with four criminal offenses. Jesse P. Miller appeared

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