(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A man who has repeatedly failed to appear in Kenosha County court on multiple occasions — despite multiple chances and even deportation — received a massive bail reduction Monday from Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael Masnica, who once issued high bails but is now believed to be following orders from Judge Kerkman to keep bail amounts low.
Edson O. Martinez Pacheco, 24, of Kenosha, a Mexican national, was charged in May with felony retail theft after police said he and an accomplice concealed more than $700 worth of clothing from the Tommy Hilfiger store at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets using an aluminum-lined bag designed to block anti-theft sensors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three and a half years in prison.
On May 5, Court Commissioner William Michel set bail at just $500 cash, which Martinez Pacheco quickly posted. As predicted, he failed to appear for his next hearing on May 9, prompting Supplemental Court Commissioner David Hughes to issue a $500 bench warrant. After being arrested and brought before Michel on May 21, bail was raised to only $1,000 cash, even though the defendant was clearly a flight risk and not a legal citizen. He posted bail again and was released.
After missing court on June 10, Michel increased the bail to $1,000. Martinez Pacheco posted that amount on October 15 and failed to appear again on October 21, leading Michel to finally raise bail to $5,000 cash. Prosecutors then filed a felony bail jumping charge, a Class H felony punishable by up to six years in prison.
But instead of tightening restrictions, Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael Masnica reduced bail in both cases to only $750 each. The decision shocked many who remember Masnica as a commissioner who once imposed firm bail conditions. Sources tell Kenosha County Eye that Masnica’s leniency comes after Judge Kerkman reportedly directed commissioners to issue lower bails — a shift that has alarmed prosecutors and law enforcement.
Adding to speculation, Masnica has applied in the past to become a full court commissioner and is believed to be gunning for Commissioner Michel’s position, as Michel is rumored to be nearing the end of his employment with the county. Observers suggest Masnica’s recent decisions may be an effort to appease Judge Kerkman in hopes of securing the role.
Martinez Pacheco is next due in court on November 14 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on both cases, he faces a combined maximum penalty of nine and a half years in prison.
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15 Responses
Judge Chad Jerkman is a renegade Judge of Lawlessness & Disorder. He’s a Moron with a completely depraved mind.
Masnica is a joke look which firm he worked for in the past nothing more needs to be said.
Point taken. Nevertheless, Masnica gave this guy a decent cash bond, whereas Michel would’ve given him a simple signature bond and even written a recommendation letter to DHS.
Gracias senor Kerkman
Can’ the DA charge Kerkman & Masnica with obstructing justice knowing with these low bonds he won’t appear. Wasting law enforcement resources having to pick the guy up. Why isn’t ICE picking him up? We’re not a sanctuary city? How many illegals are in this city?
No, they didn’t commit a crime. But some of these low bonds are eye rolling.
They committed a crime when they crossed the border illegally. 🤦🏼♀️
If was out on bond why he dont have a few bail jumping charges
In theory commissioners have the same authority as a circuit judge in setting bonds. The part-time (supplemental) commissioners are appointed by and supervised by a circuit judge — two commissioners per judge. Technically, Kerkman only has direct supervision of two part-time commissioners. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to put his thumb on the scale. For example, the local presiding judge (Kerkman) could tell the clerks not to call on a specific commissioner when one is needed to fill in. Rossell did this when he was chief judge. It’s kind of like the old Army saying, “The Army can’t make you do anything but can sure make you wish you had.”
Obviously this bond is completely insufficient for someone who has already shown contempt for court dates. I’m curious if there’s anything we can do to prevent people like Masnica from advancing much less even keeping their supplemental Court commissioner jobs. The “supplement” part appears to be alcohol or maybe just plain hallucinogenics😄
Can’t Dan Bongino or Kash Patel be called into to investigate the corrupt liberal judicial system in Kenosha who are letting criminals walk? Lock Kerkman’s, their commissioners up. Investigate the Sheriff too. Then tackle Racine. Including the political powers in SE WI. A call to Tom Homan would be in order to facilitate the illegals here in Kenosha finding their way to justice.
Maybe Chad should go back to pussy? He seems out of control since he switched teams.
This is the kind of shit these people do here.
https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2025/11/12/murder-charges-filed-against-illegal-immigrant-hitman-who-prosecutors-say-was-paid-1200-to-kill-victim-in-beach-park/