Chaos Erupts at Wilmot School Board Meeting as Parents Demand Action Over Student Charged With Child Pornography

Copied!
Wilmot School Board President Wayne Trongeau at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

WILMOT, Wis. — Tensions exploded Wednesday night at the Wilmot Union High School Board meeting as more than 60 angry parents and community members packed the room to demand answers about why Jason A. Kotarba, a 17-year-old charged with five felony counts of possessing child pornography, is reported to continue to attend classes on campus.

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

Board President Wayne Trongeau opened the meeting with a carefully worded statement that appeared to have been written by the district’s attorney. Trongeau read from the prepared remarks that he could not comment on Kotarba, his arrest, or any disciplinary actions taken by the district, citing privacy and legal limitations. His brief statement set the tone for a meeting that quickly spiraled into shouting, interruptions, and open fury from parents who said their concerns were being ignored.

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

Neither Principal Rob Kreil nor District Administrator Christy Weinstock spoke when the topic arose — a silence that further enraged the crowd.

Paid Advertisement
Wilmot School Board Member Michael Matz at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Wilmot School Board Member Laureano Camacho at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Parents Demand Answers, Board Members Stay Silent

Several board members, including Michael Matz and Laureano Camacho, sat quietly for the entire discussion and offered no comments. Board member Melissa Samborski was not present.

Paid Advertisement
Wilmot School Board Member Amy Regnier (D) at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Amy Regnier (D), one of the few who spoke, defended Kreil and Weinstock, praising thetheir decisions regarding this situation. She also accused Kenosha County Eye of “false reporting,” a comment that drew immediate jeers from the audience. She couldn’t articulate what was false.

Paid Advertisement

When Kenosha County Eye asked the board which members had actually read the criminal complaint against Kotarba, not a single hand went up. Trongeau admitted that none of them had read the document outlining the allegations in detail — an admission that sent the crowd into an uproar. Trongeau also asserted he had command of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputies in the room and threatened to kick everyone out of the room. The Deputies didn’t seem like they were willing to violate the law for Trongeau.

Paid Advertisement
Wilmot School Board Vice President Betsy Ross at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Wilmot School Board Member Michael Faber at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Vice President Betsy Ross attempted to calm the room, but board member Michael Faber lost his temper, telling Kenosha County Eye’s reporter to “step outside” for a fight. The invitation was declined. He then had to be restrained as he seemingly wanted to fight in the room. He also blew this author a kiss. You can watch the interaction below.

Paid Advertisement

According to several attendees, no one in the audience appeared to be there in support of the board or administration’s handling of the case.

Paid Advertisement
Angry Mother Amber Infusino at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Board and Administration Refuse to Answer Questions

For nearly 35 minutes, residents spoke to the board from their chairs, blasting the district’s lack of communication and its refusal to suspend or expel Kotarba — especially after Twin Lakes Police reportedly found child pornography on his school-issued Chromebook. Parents asked why that alone wasn’t grounds for immediate disciplinary action.

At one point, a parent posed a hypothetical question: If possessing child pornography on a school computer isn’t an expellable offense, what is? Before any board member could answer, Principal Kreil quickly interjected and instructed them not to respond.

As the meeting grew louder and angrier, parents repeatedly shouted that their children no longer feel safe coming to school. Others said they’ve kept their kids home out of fear, asking whether those absences would be excused. The board refused to answer.

After roughly 35 minutes of heated exchanges, the board recessed, waited out many of the frustrated parents, and then reconvened to finish the meeting — taking no action on the issue.

Angry District Mother at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

“The District’s Silence Only Makes It Worse”

Parents accused the board and administration of lying, stonewalling, and betraying public trust. One parent shouted, “You’re letting a pedophile in my son’s school!” Another said, “The district’s silence only makes it worse. Parents deserve to know what safety protocols are in place and why this decision was made behind closed doors.”

Angry District Mother at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

No Safety Plan Shared

When asked whether Kotarba is supervised throughout the day, a parent said multiple students have reported seeing him “roaming the halls by himself.” Administrators would not confirm or deny whether any supervision plan exists.

The crowd demanded transparency, repeatedly asking whether the board or administration had communicated with law enforcement or consulted the district’s lawyer about safety protocols. Trongeau responded only that “steps have been taken” but that the board was “not allowed” to discuss them.

Angry District Mother, Donna Couch, at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Parents Turn to the Courts as a Last Hope

With the school board and administration refusing to act, parents are now turning their hopes to the judicial system. The case is in the hands of Judge Jodi Meier, who will decide whether to grant District Attorney Xavier Solis’s motion to increase Kotarba’s bail to $10,000 cash.

If Solis’s motion succeeds, Kotarba would likely be barred from attending school and could face restrictions preventing any contact with minors.

For now, many parents say they have no confidence in the district’s leadership. As one parent said while leaving the meeting:

“The school board did nothing, the administrators did nothing — so now it’s up to the judge to protect our kids.”

Angry District Resident at Tonight’s Meeting
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Drunken Hit-And-Run Nearly Kills Bicyclist; Judge Jodi Meier Sets $25K Bail Despite $200K Request, Father—KUSD Coach—Accused Of Cover-Up

Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha, and his father, Joseph M. Trifone, 56, also of Kenosha, were both arrested April 20 and released April 22 after a drunken, near-fatal hit-and-run left a bicyclist with catastrophic injuries, with Judge Jodi Meier setting the son’s bail at $25,000 cash despite prosecutors requesting $200,000.

Plus +

Illinois Man Allegedly Leads 80 MPH Police Chase While High, Claims He Was Being Followed

Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of driving under the influence and leading police on a dangerous early-morning chase appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail despite a lower request from prosecutors. Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Threatening To “Blow Deputy’s Head Off” After Domestic Incident, Drugs Found In Home

Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say a domestic disturbance escalated into a threat against a sheriff’s deputy during an early-morning response, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county,

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant,

Categories
Archives
Authors

89 Responses

  1. Pedo enablers will go to great lengths to allow other peoples children to be victimized. Do whatever you have to do to get your kids out of public school.

    68
    7
    1. Yes! There are so many options; the “homeschool” options are on a gradient from mostly parental teaching all the way to remote schooling via a teacher with the parent not having to teach at all. You can pick your child’s curriculum and see everything they are learning.
      GET THEM OUT OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOL!

      32
      7
    1. No, he’s just a redneck hothead who is too big for his britches. Some never change. When he was Silver Lake Village board president, he had such a tantrum that he took a recess to calm down.

      17
      2
  2. Curious if any of the Board members’ children attend the school?

    Regardless, this school board took advice to remain silent from an attorney who will not be defending any lawsuits related to their activities.

    Improper use of district equipment would have been grounds for suspension. In reality, because the case is criminal, they could have kept him out until the case was adjudicated, as he cannot defend his actions without waiving his 5th amendment rights.

    77
  3. This Is completely ridiculous. The School Board completely failed the parents, which In turn, completely fails the children who attend the school. Absolutely ZERO transparency. No reassurance that their children are safe at school. Every one of those board members should Immediately lose their opportunity to be on the school board. I see multiple lawsuits heading towards the school district. Let’s not forget about the guy who wanted to step outside for a fight…..come on man. You’ll challenge a man who doing his job to a fight. Yet you failed to fight for the safety of the students. You are a serious lover Mr. WANNABE TOUGH GUY!!!

    83
    6
  4. When are any of these administrators going to grow some balls and do the right thing? They’re so damn worried about getting sued by the kids parents that they cow tow to the bullshit. As a former teacher, administrators and board members that let kids get away with anything enable misbehavior because kids figure out that the inmates can run the asylum.

    Recall the entire Wilmot school board. 99.9% of the student and parent body want the kid gone, but they don’t have the balls to do it. Grow a pair or let those that have them direct the ship.

    73
    5
  5. Start following the board members with phones recording everywhere they go and ask them why they (say their names address loudly) support child pornography!

    27
    10
  6. Faber’s looks like he’s about to have a stroke or heart attack just getting out of the chair. Somebody go get paw paw faber and tell him to stay home, before someone take him up on his offer and they knock some common sense into him.

    26
    4
    1. Faber, you looked like a fool. Time to grow up and be professional. Mr Mathewson would have probably put you in the hospital, some times it’s best to think before you react. How is being a tough guy helping calm the fears of the parents. You might think it’s no big deal, but your parents of students don’t. Time to grow up Mr. Faber, you didn’t make Wilmot look good. Do better.

      72
      6
    2. You want Faber to Stay Home ?

      It’s Easy. Just run against him at the next election.
      All board members are elected.
      Recruit a slate of candidates to run for school board.
      This is the same at the village level and county.
      State and Federal levels too !!

      What don’t you WILMOT PARENTS UNDERSTAND ???
      You need to STEP UP and run for these positions !!

      Who among you that attended this meeting are willing to put your butts in those seats and do the hard work ??

      I’m not defending the existing board members just telling you what to do to fix this problem.
      Are you willing to run ??

      If not then why ?

      19
      0
  7. Only thing Faber is fighting is diabetes and late night snacking!!!! He want to act tough then act on the bs that’s going on…… people get they feelings hurt when called out!!!

    39
    4
    1. Obviously Kenosha County Eye’s reporting is right on target.
      Appears that members of the school board are not used to having their actions, or lack of, questioned.

      39
      7
  8. So possession of child pornography is not grounds for suspension and expulsion according to these morons?
    These are the same harpies and panseys who would have a kid immediately expelled for forgetting his swiss army knife was in his jacket and bringing it to school or God forbid, teenage boys having a fight.
    Schools are run by women and pansies to try to turn your sons into democrat voting obedient liberal pu$$ies.

    35
    4
    1. Bingo. I used to think all of these people on the school board and admin were just spineless; it’s actually worse- they are actively trying to ruin the kids.

      24
      2
  9. These mostly grossly obese school board members are worthless. My personal opinion is that parents should remove their children immediately from this unsafe immoral indoctrination camp, then sue the school district.

    Imagine what the students see, hear or feel when they realize their school leaders do not give a damn about their safety or feel they do not have to address the concerns of their parents.

    13
    2
  10. They have expelled kids before for much less. From experience I know of one child that was not allowed to attend anymore and made to finish school by (at home schooling). Instead of offering help for that child they pushed him out the door. And he was zero threat to other students or staff in anyway.

    18
  11. This kid should not be in school. Send him home with stacks of books. He can do schooling the old fashion way without electronics. Start off with a term paper a couple book reports a bunch of essays and than have him write “I will not watch child porn” a trillion times.

    26
    1
  12. Imagine wanting to fight the reporter who is exposing child porn in your high school.
    Not a good look, Wilmot School Board member.

    31
    1
  13. If these porn allegations were a school staff member, they would not be allowed in the school. Why is a student any different

    21
  14. Faber making a statement that he’s “going off the reservation now?” and his fellow board members aren’t happy with him right now…. You bigoted fuck!

    10
    2
  15. Probably a crappy thing to say, but here you go…why does nearly EVERY SINGLE board member look like fat slobs who could care less about being there. I’m quite sure that when they campaigned they lied through their teeth about have YOUR children top of mind. Look at them! Great representation….. It’s time for concerned parents to lawyer up, there have to be lawyers out there willing to make a name for themselves. Protect these children….the time for WAITING for the crime to happen and THEN acting are far from over. Parents have more power than they realize. One more thing….pay attention folks, perhaps getting these slobs out and running for the board is in order.

    26
    2
    1. “Probably a crappy thing to say, but here you go…why does nearly EVERY SINGLE board member look like fat slobs who could care less about being there.”

      Wonder if the Wilmot School Board spends a bunch of taxpayer money on catered lunches and such—–maybe school board meeting’s are part all you can eat buffets?

      6
      2
  16. My question is, why the hell are most of the board members fat.. No offense to all the other chubby or overweight kings and queens that DON’T support a pedophile coming into a school filled with teenagers who could be victims, and a school who does many events where ACTUAL children attend.. Some think the board members should be keeping the truth hidden from the parents.. they must be used to keeping stuff hidden, like their snacks… #theseboardmemebersSUCK #tell us how you really feel.

    16
    1
    1. Ummmmmm, did you watch the video of the people in the audience at the board meeting? Lots of beef in that room.

      3
      1
  17. Our schools and world are being overrun by weirdo adults with fetishes. Yet those of us who choose to homeschool our children, to protect them against these villains, are the weird ones. My daughter won’t grow up being groomed by adults and or victimized by pedophilia and transgender ideologies.

    21
    2
    1. I homeschooled 40 years ago. Who cares how anyone else looks at you! Homeschooled will run the world eventually. They wove the only ones who know things and how to do things

      8
      3
  18. Conservatives taking action ….. for a change …. not letting Pedos walk all over them.
    Had this been the norm, things might not have gotten
    so bad over the last 30 years.

    12
    1
    1. escept they eally didnt do anything but show anger. when they run for offices and get elected then they will have done something.
      THis is just a tantrum on their part. THey could have used it as a rally but if the audience didnt exchange contacts and agree to meet to creat e a plan to replace this board then it was a waste. and the process of vp going into President.. well that is a bunch of bs too. It will take you two years to replace this board. get moving on that now, when the weather is nic and you wont skip out because there is snow on the ground or it is too cold. be ready to circulate papers. Or, as said, tis is a wasted night and a lot of bs on the parts of audience and board for absolutely nothing.

  19. Might be unpopular, but this pervert is entitled to his due process under the constitution. He is innocent until proven guilty. Thinking Wilmont may want to seek legal advice before acting off emotions of the community.

    7
    13
    1. The school can suspend without “due” process. Then when the courts are done, goodbye. Accused end up in jail and held for trial. No problem before due process

      10
      1. And he the court lets him off, that will be a major lawsuit. Will end up like Jarod from Subway, a multi millionaire child sex predator.

      2. You are a retard. If you find Child porn on a school laptop issued to you, guess what your suspended. It’s that simple, stop the woke people nonsense. Society is not evolving, we are turning into idiocracy( the movie).

    2. Thats great. Legal BS aside, he should have been suspended for inappropriate use of school technology. Not a damn thing done about that. Sure the board can’t speak to the legal actions, but they should be speaking to what is in their own damn handbook.

      12
    3. This is correct. However, inside the student hand book and based upon how the student code of conduct is used; Kotarba directly violated the code titled: Misuse of Network. This instance, and as shown in said handbook, the minimum and maximum punishments would have been between categories 1 to 5, dependent on the Misuse. Linked on this code, is a contract in which handling Pornography is specifically mentioned, meaning, Kotarba should have received these disciplinary actions; 1. Immediate cut off from network. 2. Suspension while investigation, led by school, is underway and no more than 10 days. 3. Referral for Expulsion, of which, based off the school boards behavior, never happened.

      It’s the fact the school is making Kotarba the exception, when other students have been expelled for much less. The student hand book, which is oddly short, can be found on Wilmots web Page.

      14
      1
  20. I can’t even believe that there is even an argument over this kid! In today’s sick ass liberal society you would think that the minute they found this kid with child porn and attending a high school that he would automatically be suspended!! There is no way this kid should still be attending school in person! The board is obviously filled with dumbasses! Fuck the board and fuck whoever their liberal democratic attorney is and fuck the kid! Pedophiles stay away from schools PERIOD!!!

    14
  21. What I don’t understand is the silence. If they cannot legally talk about it why not just say so. Obviously staying silent and not addressing anyone allows rumors to build and reduces trust the parents have in this board.

    12
    1. Citizen comments are simply that. The board can say this will be on the agenda at a later date, but there is to be no back and forth during comments. Considering this individual was well known, the issue should have been on the agenda. Unfortunately, often the lawyer for the board is there merely to cover behinds.

      10
      1. Exactly why it wasn’t on the agenda. I had a TMJ4 reporter contact me yesterday asking why this wasn’t on it. Because if its not there they cant speak about it. They knew this shitshow was coming and could have squeezed it into the agenda. Chose not to. That speaks volumes.

      2. actually there can be back and forth. they cant make a decision (at least not in this meetin) to act. because that wold be unfare to those who didnt come for the vote. they can talke back and forth. that little blurp is there by lawyers and chicken shit board presidents who dont know how to handle more than the other board members. when you go to a meeting where there is organizd data collection, then at least you have a good board pres.

        it appeard to me that the audience was more respectful than the board. So the No bavk and fourth is bs that visibly failed.

  22. Jesus Christ. This is so embarrassing. If I did absolutely nothing at my job and just sat there, my ass would be fired. How much are these people getting paid? At this point, no board is better than this trash with their deer in headlights looks on their faces. Kevin, thank you for being there and supporting the parents. Unbelievable. Not to mention the fat fuck threatening violence. Who elected his ass? Great example dufus. Surprised that RO standing in the background had nothing to say. But yet plenty of time to stalk the kids in the bathroom searching for vapes. How about you stalk the pedo masturbating??? Lets forget the legal aspect for a second and focus on school policies. Why in the fuck has this kid not been suspended for misuse of school technology?

    13
  23. “Probably a crappy thing to say, but here you go…why does nearly EVERY SINGLE board member look like fat slobs who could care less about being there.”

    Wonder if the Wilmot School Board spends a bunch of taxpayer money on catered lunches and such—–maybe school board meeting’s are part all you can eat buffets?

  24. They wanted it added to the agenda so let’s get it added. Please call the newly elected District Admin and request the issue of the student in person learning as well as the lack of Alice drills at the educational establishment be added to the agenda.

    Christy Weinstock; District Administrator; 262-862-9006

  25. I heard that Faber threatened Kevin by boasting that he’d eat him for lunch. Apparently he’s carried through with his threat on past occasions. That would explain his extreme weight problem.

  26. These stupid “rules” that say the board can’t comment on topics such as this are ludicrous !

    What the F..k are meetings like this for if not to discuss a topic that parents want to talk about ?

    If the board and its legal counsel feel they are on the correct side of this matter then Defend it !!
    If they are afraid of getting sued then they obviously think there are not on the correct side.

    If they don’t know how a legal battle might turn out then they need better lawyers.

    To not respond is shameful and disrespectful to the taxpayers of this district.
    Shame on this Board !

    1. unfortunatley this shows that you dont understand let me help.
      this is a Board meeting. not a community meeting. they dont have to listen to you at all and cannot in this meeting make a decision on anything you bring up. Votes only can happen (in the back room in executive/closed sessions) or in a board meeting if it is on the agenda for decision. vs comments.

      these comments are fact gathering for the board.. becaue they were too lazy to listen before the meeting,e ither on the phone, email, facebook, messages etc. this gives the peope a chance to state thei piece.. not to ‘argure it’ not to get satisfction. only to state their views withinthin a timelimit which the meeting autoritiy can cut short, or evern totally erase.

      The board does not have to defend any vote they take. Getting sued while a decision is made in a clearly posted agendad meeting and then a vote wuld be a hard nut to crack. Talke via a comment much easier – wcih is why they dont want to chitchat with you. THE board in this case made a big mistake by not creating an agenda ite to vote on to procect their sasses and to move this forward one way or another.

      As said their big mistake was to have a meeting with the several points of this issue not on the agenda where they could have voted and been done with it.

      unfortunately, this is all what happens when we hae a fukn democrate judge voting on fukin dr suess characted playing with kids and is allowed a pass instead of real, christian, moral ethics and moved the issue on to another environment which is a playground for a mentally ill character.

      We elected the judges and we elected school board.
      FIX the problem. Elect someone else.

      and you, learn what can and cant be done at a meeting and how to get the agenda to your liking.. (hint..run for office)

      5
      1
  27. “Votes only can happen ….in a board meeting if it is on the agenda for decision. “

    “if it is on the agenda”

    Why wasn’t it on the agenda ?
    Because they don’t want to talk about it !!
    They are afraid of us !!

    As for allowing a back and forth discussion ?
    They are free to do so. With votes comes discussion. The rules are in place to give them cover or the option not to respond.
    There is no law that says they can’t respond.

    Even if there was then they could/should call a special community meeting separate from a regular business meeting and hash this out.
    Remember, these board members are school taxpayers too ! They should want to tell us why they don’t do things like expell students. At least direct the extremely expensive attorney to explain the process of “not” following the hand book.

    They can put anything on the agenda. They just chose not to. Sad. Very sad

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Drunken Hit-And-Run Nearly Kills Bicyclist; Judge Jodi Meier Sets $25K Bail Despite $200K Request, Father—KUSD Coach—Accused Of Cover-Up

Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha, and his father, Joseph M. Trifone, 56, also of Kenosha, were both arrested April 20 and released April 22 after a drunken, near-fatal hit-and-run left a bicyclist with catastrophic injuries, with Judge Jodi Meier setting the son’s bail at $25,000 cash despite prosecutors requesting $200,000.

Plus +

Illinois Man Allegedly Leads 80 MPH Police Chase While High, Claims He Was Being Followed

Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of driving under the influence and leading police on a dangerous early-morning chase appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail despite a lower request from prosecutors. Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Threatening To “Blow Deputy’s Head Off” After Domestic Incident, Drugs Found In Home

Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say a domestic disturbance escalated into a threat against a sheriff’s deputy during an early-morning response, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Crocks, Cop Injury, And A Short Chase: Kenosha Woman Accused Of Resisting Arrest After Family Blocks Police Tow

Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after police say she tripped while running in Crocs and then resisted officers, ultimately leaving one officer injured during a chaotic scene tied to a short vehicle pursuit Thursday afternoon. Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Child Neglect After Baby Exposed To Fentanyl, Court Commissioner Sets $8,000 Cash Bail

Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of exposing a baby to fentanyl was ordered held on $8,000 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II following his initial appearance. Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant, though she remains behind bars after failing to post bail. Jada S. Tyler,

Plus +

Felony Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Suspended-License Crash Injures Grandfather, Children Near Somers Elementary

Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman who was already out on bond in multiple pending cases is now facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she caused a serious crash near Somers Elementary School while driving on a suspended license. Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Mom Accused Of Leaving 4-Year-Old In Hot Car At Uline Vanishes For Nearly 3 Years, Then Released On No-Cash Bail

Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II on Wednesday lowered a previously issued $1,500 arrest warrant to a no-cash bail and released Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas, just one day after she was taken into custody for a felony child neglect case she had

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Kicking In Door, Strangling Girlfriend, Ripping Out Weave During Violent Domestic Attack

Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of kicking in a door, strangling his girlfriend, and ripping out her weave during a violent domestic attack is being held on $7,500 cash bail after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, according to newly filed charges. Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun During Dog Dispute, Threatening Neighbor With Firearm

Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fired a handgun during a neighborhood dispute involving a loose dog and then allegedly threatened a neighbor while armed. He is scheduled to appear April 29 at 1 p.m. before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II for

Wisconsin Marathon Returns To Downtown Kenosha Saturday, Bringing Road Closures And Thousands Of Runners

KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m.

Plus +

KUSD Hired Staffer With Felony Drug Conviction And Prison Time, Fired Him For Lying Instead Of His Alleged Grooming Behavior

Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Updated 4-22-2026 at 5:09 p.m. with Dr. Weiss’s comments KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Tremper High School staff member accused of making inappropriate comments to a student was ultimately fired by the Kenosha Unified School District—not for that conduct, but for lying on his job application, according to district officials, a decision that is

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography After Cyber Tip, Police Seize Phone

Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a serious felony charge after an investigation tied to an online tip, but as of publication time Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether he had appeared in court or what bail, if any, had been set. Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

Plus +

Burlington Man Accused of Meth, Bail Jumping, and Multi-Vehicle OWI Crash That Injured Four

Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he caused a violent multi-vehicle rollover crash while allegedly under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine, all while out on bond in two separate cases. Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

135 MPH I-94 Chase, Lights Off, Gun In Car: Waukesha Man Held on $25K Cash Bail

Najee Deon Baham, 28, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) BRISTOL, Wis. — A Waukesha man is being held on a $25,000 cash bond after authorities say he led Wisconsin State Patrol on a high-speed chase reaching 135 mph on Interstate 94, drove with his headlights off at times, and had a passenger armed with a handgun inside the vehicle. Court Commissioner William “Bargain

Plus +

Drunken Punch Leaves Man With Facial Fractures; Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Battery

Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of violently punching a friend during a late-night visit is now facing a felony charge after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, who set bail following arguments from both prosecutors and defense. Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You

Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of High-Speed Police Chase, Drug Possession After Twin Lakes Stop

Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 21-year-old Illinois woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say she fled from a traffic stop, sparked a late-night police search, and was later found hiding inside her apartment with drugs and paraphernalia. Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

Illinois Man Accused Of $42,000 Rampage Through Kenosha Apartment Complex, Smashing Gates And Dog Park Fencing

Dustin Tyler Lewis, 32, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he tore through a Kenosha apartment complex with his pickup truck, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance May 21 before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel

Plus +

Thanksgiving Fire Horror: Father Charged After Three Children Died in Kenosha Blaze, Complaint Alleges He Left Them in Burning Apartment, Faces 75 Years in Prison

Rylee Levi Kannin, 10, Joshua P. Kannin, 39, Connor Liam Kannin, 9 and Alena Ellen Kannin, 7 Graphic details below. KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father whose three young children died in a horrific Thanksgiving night apartment fire last November has now been charged with three felony counts of neglecting a child causing death after investigators concluded he failed to protect the children

Nordigian Wins County Board Chairmanship After Tie Vote, Political Horse Trading Alleged

KENOSHA, Wis. — Supervisor Mark Nordigian was elected chairman of the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night after a dramatic and unusual vote that many insiders say was decided by behind-the-scenes political dealmaking. The night began with outgoing Chair Monica Yuhas officially leaving the board after eight years of service. Supervisors gave Yuhas a standing ovation as she concluded her tenure. Vice Chairman Daniel

Kenosha Aldermen Sworn In as New Common Council Begins Two-Year Term

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha’s aldermen officially took office Tuesday night during the Common Council’s organizational meeting, beginning a new two-year term for the city’s legislative body. The meeting featured the swearing-in of representatives from all 17 districts across the city following the recent spring election. Julia Metallo was the only truly new member of the council. Daniel Prozanski also joined the council this

Monica Yuhas Leaves County Board After Eight Years of Service

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Monica Yuhas will chair her final Kenosha County Board meeting Tuesday night, bringing an end to eight years on the board and the last two as its chairwoman. Before joining the County Board, Yuhas served as a trustee in the Village of Pleasant Prairie. Over the years, she became known as a steady and generally low-key presence in county

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Drunken Hit-And-Run Nearly Kills Bicyclist; Judge Jodi Meier Sets $25K Bail Despite $200K Request, Father—KUSD Coach—Accused Of Cover-Up

Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph A. Trifone, 25, of Kenosha, and his father, Joseph M. Trifone, 56, also of Kenosha, were both arrested April 20 and released April 22 after a drunken, near-fatal hit-and-run left a bicyclist with catastrophic injuries, with Judge Jodi Meier setting the son’s bail at $25,000 cash despite prosecutors requesting $200,000.

Plus +

Illinois Man Allegedly Leads 80 MPH Police Chase While High, Claims He Was Being Followed

Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of driving under the influence and leading police on a dangerous early-morning chase appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $10,000 cash bail despite a lower request from prosecutors. Luke X. Bambenek, 29, of Elgin, Illinois(Kenosha County

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Threatening To “Blow Deputy’s Head Off” After Domestic Incident, Drugs Found In Home

Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say a domestic disturbance escalated into a threat against a sheriff’s deputy during an early-morning response, according to a newly filed criminal complaint. Bonifacio Ventura, 70, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Crocks, Cop Injury, And A Short Chase: Kenosha Woman Accused Of Resisting Arrest After Family Blocks Police Tow

Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing a felony charge after police say she tripped while running in Crocs and then resisted officers, ultimately leaving one officer injured during a chaotic scene tied to a short vehicle pursuit Thursday afternoon. Kaniah L. Gardner, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Child Neglect After Baby Exposed To Fentanyl, Court Commissioner Sets $8,000 Cash Bail

Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of exposing a baby to fentanyl was ordered held on $8,000 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II following his initial appearance. Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant, though she remains behind bars after failing to post bail. Jada S. Tyler,

Plus +

Felony Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Suspended-License Crash Injures Grandfather, Children Near Somers Elementary

Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman who was already out on bond in multiple pending cases is now facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she caused a serious crash near Somers Elementary School while driving on a suspended license. Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Mom Accused Of Leaving 4-Year-Old In Hot Car At Uline Vanishes For Nearly 3 Years, Then Released On No-Cash Bail

Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II on Wednesday lowered a previously issued $1,500 arrest warrant to a no-cash bail and released Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas, just one day after she was taken into custody for a felony child neglect case she had

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Kicking In Door, Strangling Girlfriend, Ripping Out Weave During Violent Domestic Attack

Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of kicking in a door, strangling his girlfriend, and ripping out her weave during a violent domestic attack is being held on $7,500 cash bail after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, according to newly filed charges. Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun During Dog Dispute, Threatening Neighbor With Firearm

Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fired a handgun during a neighborhood dispute involving a loose dog and then allegedly threatened a neighbor while armed. He is scheduled to appear April 29 at 1 p.m. before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II for

Wisconsin Marathon Returns To Downtown Kenosha Saturday, Bringing Road Closures And Thousands Of Runners

KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m.

Plus +

KUSD Hired Staffer With Felony Drug Conviction And Prison Time, Fired Him For Lying Instead Of His Alleged Grooming Behavior

Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Updated 4-22-2026 at 5:09 p.m. with Dr. Weiss’s comments KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Tremper High School staff member accused of making inappropriate comments to a student was ultimately fired by the Kenosha Unified School District—not for that conduct, but for lying on his job application, according to district officials, a decision that is

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography After Cyber Tip, Police Seize Phone

Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a serious felony charge after an investigation tied to an online tip, but as of publication time Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether he had appeared in court or what bail, if any, had been set. Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

Plus +

Burlington Man Accused of Meth, Bail Jumping, and Multi-Vehicle OWI Crash That Injured Four

Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he caused a violent multi-vehicle rollover crash while allegedly under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine, all while out on bond in two separate cases. Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.