Keon Dewon Taylor, 21, of Racine (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
KENOSHA, Wis. — The hunt continues for Racine man Keon Dewon Taylor, who remains wanted on multiple violent felony charges connected to a brutal domestic assault, carjacking, and alleged attempted vehicular assault involving the mother of his child.
Paid Advertisement
Late today, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis issued a public safety alert — a rare move signaling the seriousness of the case and the perceived danger to the community.
Paid Advertisement
Taylor was charged November 4, and despite the violent nature of the allegations, his existing bond history, and an active no-contact order in place for the same victim, Supplemental Court Commissioner David Hughes set the arrest warrant at just $2,500 cash, allowing Taylor to remain unaccounted for. The decision has continued to raise eyebrows throughout the community and inside the courthouse.
Paid Advertisement
Solis confirmed that Taylor faces the following charges:
Paid Advertisement
Carjacking – Use of Force
Second-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
Substantial Battery – Domestic Abuse
Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Abuse
Three Counts of Misdemeanor Bail Jumping
According to the complaint, investigators allege Taylor punched the victim repeatedly in the face, ripped her from the vehicle by her hair, and left her with multiple injuries, including a bleeding chin wound, abrasions, and internal mouth injuries. She reportedly told deputies she feared for her life.
Paid Advertisement
The complaint further alleges Taylor entered the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle, accelerated toward her, forcing her to jump aside to avoid being hit, and then fled the scene with their three-month-old child still inside the SUV.
Paid Advertisement
In his statement, Solis wrote:
Paid Advertisement
“These charges reflect extremely violent conduct — a carjacking using force, a sustained beating, an attempt to run over a victim, and flight with a three-month-old infant in the vehicle.”
Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner David Hughes (D) (File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Solis also addressed the controversial bail decision without naming Hughes directly:
Paid Advertisement
“It is difficult to understand how a $2,500 cash bond was considered appropriate for a defendant already on bond against the same victim with an active no-contact order.”
He added:
“My office will continue to advocate for strong, accountable bail that protects victims and the public from dangerous offenders.”
Concerns About Judicial Decisions Grow
It is widely known in local legal and law-enforcement circles that David Hughes is considered an activist supplemental court commissioner, frequently criticized for a judicial philosophy of low bail, leniency, and what critics describe as a “soft-glove approach” toward violent offenders. His charging and bond decisions have been a point of contention for years.
Many residents and court staff are now expressing concern because Hughes has applied for the open Branch 4 Circuit Court Judge seat. Some believe his appointment is likely, given that his partner, Roberta Pontillo, is a well-known Democratic donor with influence at the governor’s office — the same office responsible for judicial appointments.
Several longtime courthouse observers tell Kenosha County Eye this case is now being used as a prime example of the potential public-safety consequences of putting someone with his record of low-bail decisions onto the bench permanently.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities are urging the public NOT to approach Taylor.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
📞 Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department:262-656-1234 📞 Crime Stoppers:262-656-7333
Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.
Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday,
GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is
KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24
Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a
Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth
April 1, 2026
No Comments
Categories
Archives
Authors
10 Responses
Kenosha County Courthouse Corruption All the Judges and commissioners need too be investigated
Forget it. Not happening. Civil disintegration is the prime objective of the Democrat’s national Color Revolution with the activist Hughes as an operative – and will not stop – unless and until the Good & Right effectively organizes then directly acts while pinching off its fear as an over ripe dingleberry, by any effective means possible, and not limited to the dada theater of voting.
You’d think that educated people in the court systems would know the patterns of domestic abuse and have responsibilities to protect women. What is happening here?
Unfortunately until judges and in this case court commissioners are held accountable for any and all crimes violent repeat offenders commit while out on their ridiculously low bails nothing will change.
I’m just curious, what’s the jail census looking like lately? It is not uncommon for the Sheriff to ask the courts to keep bonds low to avoid overcrowding. Sometimes the jail doesn’t have the employee headcount or budget to handle the inmates.
Not saying this is the case here or in previous cases, just exploring all possible reasons for such low bonds
Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and
GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He
KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and
Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a homicide charge and secure an arrest warrant within hours of Makayla Marie Rutka
Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth County judge to oversee the case and Ortiz formally hiring two attorneys. You
KENOSHA, Wis. — In an unusual development following charges filed against Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm, both Burm’s sister and Burm’s attorney contacted Kenosha County Eye after the outlet published a story detailing allegations that Burm helped accused attempted homicide suspect Jake C. Wenzel avoid capture. Burm, 29, was charged on Nov. 26 with Straw Purchasing of a Firearm, Harboring or Aiding a
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday morning’s apparent homicide near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue, but sources indicate the victim is seemingly Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, 28. The suspect is her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, who remained the subject of a massive manhunt as of publication. Police were initially called to
KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin Circuit Court records filed early Tuesday morning show the state Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax warrant against Solis in Kenosha County Circuit Court, case number 2026TW000318. The warrant, which carries the force of a civil judgment, reflects $8,024 in unpaid income taxes, $2,873.98 in penalties, and $2,710.60 in accrued interest, a total of $13,608.58. The underlying
KENOSHA, Wis. — A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is likely to place the City of Kenosha’s own ordinance banning the practice on shaky constitutional ground. On Tuesday, the nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 that Colorado’s law banning licensed therapists from providing conversion therapy to minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on
KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly 49 years after Ralph Ambrose Gianoli was found beaten and strangled to death inside his home at 5310 25th Ave., Kenosha police on Tuesday publicly laid out how preserved evidence, modern DNA testing and years of renewed investigative work led to the arrest of a Tennessee man in one of the city’s oldest unsolved homicide cases. Police say James
Kevin S. Hladilek, 41, and Candice D. Hladilek, 39, both of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie husband and wife who came under investigation last year after allegations of child abuse in their home are now both facing drug charges, while the husband is also accused of violating the terms of his felony bond. Candice D. Hladilek
Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase through residential streets early Tuesday morning was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bail during his initial appearance Tuesday before Court Commissioner William Michel II. Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
Raiford E. Bell, 56, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Mount Pleasant man accused of slapping his 13-year-old son hard enough to leave him with a bloody nose was charged Tuesday and released on a no-cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, despite prosecutors asking for a $1,000 cash bail. Raiford E. Bell, 56,
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A 25-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he crossed the centerline on Highway 32, struck another vehicle head-on and then fled the scene, leaving behind an injured woman. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Jordin James Ballman, 26, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Burlington man accused of driving drunk with a loaded handgun, oxycodone pills and marijuana in his truck was formally charged Tuesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. His co-defendant, 19-year-old Essence TJ Ritchey of Salem, was also arrested and cited
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Kenosha man has been charged in connection with the theft of two sets of tires and rims worth thousands of dollars from a Salem-area auto business last summer. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Jeffrey E. Ferguson, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of resisting police officers outside the Shalom Center after allegedly claiming he was overdosing on edibles was charged Monday and given a $500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Prosecutors had asked for a $2,000 cash bail. He is due back in
Travis L. Young Jr., 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Travis L. Young Jr., 22, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with possession of a firearm by a felon after police said DNA evidence tied him to a Glock handgun found inside a vehicle while authorities were assisting with a homicide investigation out of Waukegan, Illinois. Young is scheduled for an
Robert J. Dibiase, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Robert J. Dibiase, 43, of Kenosha, pleaded guilty earlier this month to causing injury by operating while intoxicated in connection with a September crash in Somers that left a woman hurt. Robert J. Dibiase, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this
Mark E. Hovey, 40, of Silverlake, Washington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Washington man accused of trapping his girlfriend inside a Pleasant Prairie hotel room and threatening that he could kill her with a shotgun was charged Monday in Kenosha County Court, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $1,000 cash bail. Mark E. Hovey, 40,
Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and
GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He
KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city. The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and
Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha (Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)Crime Scene (Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — District Attorney Xavier Solis and his team worked quickly with Kenosha police Wednesday to file a homicide charge and secure an arrest warrant within hours of Makayla Marie Rutka
Racine County Deputy Emil Ortiz, 37, of Somers (Mugshot)FLOCK Image Illegally Obtained by Ortiz KENOSHA, Wis. — The John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye publisher Kevin Mathewson against Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Emil Ortiz continues to move forward, with Chief Judge Wynne P. Lautenberg now assigning a Walworth County judge to oversee the case and Ortiz formally hiring two attorneys. You
KENOSHA, Wis. — In an unusual development following charges filed against Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm, both Burm’s sister and Burm’s attorney contacted Kenosha County Eye after the outlet published a story detailing allegations that Burm helped accused attempted homicide suspect Jake C. Wenzel avoid capture. Burm, 29, was charged on Nov. 26 with Straw Purchasing of a Firearm, Harboring or Aiding a
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim in Tuesday morning’s apparent homicide near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue, but sources indicate the victim is seemingly Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, 28. The suspect is her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, who remained the subject of a massive manhunt as of publication. Police were initially called to
KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin Circuit Court records filed early Tuesday morning show the state Department of Revenue filed a delinquent income tax warrant against Solis in Kenosha County Circuit Court, case number 2026TW000318. The warrant, which carries the force of a civil judgment, reflects $8,024 in unpaid income taxes, $2,873.98 in penalties, and $2,710.60 in accrued interest, a total of $13,608.58. The underlying
KENOSHA, Wis. — A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Colorado conversion therapy ban is likely to place the City of Kenosha’s own ordinance banning the practice on shaky constitutional ground. On Tuesday, the nation’s highest court ruled 8-1 that Colorado’s law banning licensed therapists from providing conversion therapy to minors violated the First Amendment because it restricted speech based on
KENOSHA, Wis. — Nearly 49 years after Ralph Ambrose Gianoli was found beaten and strangled to death inside his home at 5310 25th Ave., Kenosha police on Tuesday publicly laid out how preserved evidence, modern DNA testing and years of renewed investigative work led to the arrest of a Tennessee man in one of the city’s oldest unsolved homicide cases. Police say James
Kevin S. Hladilek, 41, and Candice D. Hladilek, 39, both of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie husband and wife who came under investigation last year after allegations of child abuse in their home are now both facing drug charges, while the husband is also accused of violating the terms of his felony bond. Candice D. Hladilek
Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase through residential streets early Tuesday morning was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bail during his initial appearance Tuesday before Court Commissioner William Michel II. Johntay M. Pleasant, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
10 Responses
Kenosha County Courthouse Corruption All the Judges and commissioners need too be investigated
Forget it. Not happening. Civil disintegration is the prime objective of the Democrat’s national Color Revolution with the activist Hughes as an operative – and will not stop – unless and until the Good & Right effectively organizes then directly acts while pinching off its fear as an over ripe dingleberry, by any effective means possible, and not limited to the dada theater of voting.
That bail is incredibly, inappropriately low
This guy looks like an arrogant @$$!!
What a loser
You’d think that educated people in the court systems would know the patterns of domestic abuse and have responsibilities to protect women. What is happening here?
Protect *everyone*, not just women.
Good point Marty, totally agree
Unfortunately until judges and in this case court commissioners are held accountable for any and all crimes violent repeat offenders commit while out on their ridiculously low bails nothing will change.
I’m just curious, what’s the jail census looking like lately? It is not uncommon for the Sheriff to ask the courts to keep bonds low to avoid overcrowding. Sometimes the jail doesn’t have the employee headcount or budget to handle the inmates.
Not saying this is the case here or in previous cases, just exploring all possible reasons for such low bonds