KENOSHA, Wis. — In court and charged today, Joseph D. Plewka, 28, was unbelievably given a cash bail of only $5,000 by Court Commissioner Masnica after prosecutors alleged he fired two gunshots from his balcony, lied repeatedly about it, and even fabricated a break-in story that police say was completely false.

Before detailing the charges, this author must note that many in and around the courthouse — including this reporter — strongly suspect that Commissioner Masnica has been quietly directed by Judge Chad Kerkman to issue low or no cash bails in serious cases. Kerkman is a judge and has no authority whatsoever to issue such directives to independent court commissioners, yet this sudden shift in bail outcomes has raised eyebrows among attorneys, officials, and observers who have noticed a dramatic change in Masnica’s decisions despite his previously tougher approach.

According to both the criminal complaint and the warrant affidavit, the case quickly unraveled into a disturbing pattern of violence followed by blatant dishonesty. Around 12:21 a.m., multiple callers reported gunshots in the area of 22nd Avenue. Plewka himself called 911 and lied, telling dispatchers that “two Black males” were breaking into his vehicle and that he had confronted them. When officers arrived, he changed his story again, now claiming his girlfriend heard gunshots — not him — and insisting nothing had happened to his car.

Police immediately found two spent 9mm shell casings directly beneath the east balcony of his apartment, exactly where investigators say he had been standing when he opened fire. The warrant states that Plewka then told officers the gunfire sounded “far away,” even though the casings were just feet from his door.

Surveillance video later reviewed by detectives shows a shirtless tall white male stepping out onto the balcony at 12:33 a.m., firing a shot downward, yelling, “Yo, get the fuck away from my car,” and then firing a second round. He then went back inside, changed clothing, and came back out in a yellow hoodie — the same clothing officers observed when they confronted him minutes later. Police also noted the shooter’s “distinctive deeper voice,” which matched Plewka’s voice captured on body-camera video.

The two men on the ground were not breaking into anything. One was simply retrieving a broom for work, and the other had stopped briefly to urinate by the fence. One told police he feared for his life as the gunfire exploded above him.

Investigators further noted that Plewka gave officers contradictory and misleading statements throughout the night, attempting to distance himself from the shots despite overwhelming physical and video evidence showing otherwise. The warrant specifically cites his false statements to dispatch and officers as obstructive behavior.

Prosecutors charged Plewka with First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety with Use of a Dangerous Weapon, Obstructing an Officer, and Disorderly Conduct with Use of a Dangerous Weapon. If convicted of all charges, Plewka faces a combined maximum of approximately 19 years in prison.

Despite the allegations — firing live ammunition toward two men, misleading police, and fabricating a break-in — Commissioner Masnica set cash bail at only $5,000.

Plewka is due back in court on November 12 for a preliminary hearing..

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