(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A longtime Kenosha County bailiff says he was abruptly fired Wednesday afternoon, and he believes the decision came directly from Judge Chad Kerkman because he shared Kenosha County Eye articles on Facebook.
West Jacobs, 75, a Salem Lakes resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, was terminated at approximately 2:43 p.m. on December 3rd. Jacobs spent 25 years in the military, serving in Vietnam, Operation Just Cause, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and also completed a leadership parachute program at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After retiring, he worked at a couple Harley Davidson’s and then he transitioned into courthouse security and has served the community for roughly four years.
Jacobs said he was informed he was being terminated by courthouse supervisor Patrice “Patty” Scypta, who told him she was given direct instruction to fire him. According to Jacobs and multiple courthouse sources, the directive flowed down in the following chain:
Judge Chad Kerkman → Clerk of Circuit Court Rebecca Matoska-Mentink → Scypta → Termination
It remains unclear whether Matoska-Mentink, an elected constitutional officer, had independent authority to fire Jacobs — or whether she simply acted because Kerkman told her to. Multiple courthouse staff say Matoska-Mentink appears to forget she is not subordinate to Kerkman and does not have to execute his personal directives.
Jacobs told Kenosha County Eye that no misconduct, policy violations, or performance concerns were raised before he was fired — only that his social-media posts were mentioned generally.
From Kerkman’s Courtroom to Intake — and Why
Jacobs once served as bailiff in Judge Kerkman’s division, but he personally asked to be reassigned.
“I couldn’t take his attitude anymore,” Jacobs told Kenosha County Eye. “He screamed, he yelled, he berated bailiffs and litigants. It was constant. I didn’t want to be in his courtroom another day.”
After transferring to intake, Jacobs quickly earned a reputation as one of the most respectful and helpful courthouse staff members. He even built a privacy barrier in the courtroom so victims waiting for hearings would not be stared down by accused offenders.
Attorneys, public defenders, prosecutors, victims, and courthouse regulars consistently described Jacobs as respectful, helpful, and professional.
Retaliation Over the First Amendment?
Jacobs believes he was fired for exercising his constitutional rights — specifically his right to consume and share journalism critical of the courts.
“I shared Kenosha County Eye articles because there’s no other place to get local news anymore,” Jacobs said. “People deserve to know what’s going on. I served this country for 25 years to protect the First Amendment. Instead, I got punished for using it.”
Kerkman’s Behavior Continues Raising Alarms
This firing is the latest in a series of unusual and escalating actions by Judge Kerkman — actions now central to a pending federal civil-rights lawsuit.
In recent weeks:
- Kerkman allegedly attempted to have Kenosha County Eye’s publisher criminally charged for reporting
- He issued a blanket media ban, then reversed himself under pressure — but left a ban targeting only Kenosha County Eye
- He has been repeatedly accused of screaming at courthouse staff, attorneys, and even a commissioner
- Court staff and observers have described him as volatile, paranoid, and obsessed with controlling media access
Some courthouse insiders have also raised concerns about his mental stability and fitness for the bench.
Editor Responds
Kenosha County Eye editor Kevin Mathewson responded:
“It is clear Judge Kerkman has something seriously wrong with him. He behaves erratically, he acts obsessed, and he seems convinced he is above the law. He is firing respected employees, trying to imprison journalists, screaming at staff, and weaponizing his position. His honorary title of ‘Deputy Chief Judge’ has gone to his head, and Judge Wynn Lauffenberger in Racine is allowing it. Kerkman is a menace to this county and unfit for his profession.”
For now, Kenosha County Eye will continue reporting on developments involving:
- Jacobs’ termination
- Potential retaliation
- Conduct inside Kenosha County’s judiciary
“I loved this job,” Jacobs said. “And the public deserves to know what’s happening in their courthouse — even if certain people don’t want them to.”
79 Responses
Kerkman is a POS tyrant
Absolutely he is!
I have to add the Kerkman acts exactly the same a Trump. If you condemn Kerkman—which you should—how can you logically not condemn Trump?
Can anyone explain?
Because Trump is God your fucking faggot/piece of shit!
Blah, blah, blah!😂
Cute, but why don’t you explain?
Because one is in the executive branch and one is in the judicial branch? But you’re the one making the claim that Kerkman = Trump, so you should offer an argument (or at least an example) of why that’s the case. You can’t shift the burden to everyone to explain why Trump and Kerkman are different.
But if you’re doing this just to anger right-wingers, I understand that’s part of social media exchanges, and so be it. I think they call that “trolling.”
Thank you for having the courage to respond.
Yes, Trump is executive and Kerkman is judicial. However, both have powers of their offices that both are abusing.
This is a link to an article from Fox News that describes Trump’s war department denying access to reporters they don’t like. This is exactly what Kerkman is doing to Kevin.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-york-times-sues-pentagon-over-its-new-press-policy-says-violates-first-fifth-amendment-rights.amp
Right wing media rarely reports on Trump’s abuses of power. I know that most Trump supporters only consume ring wing media, including Fox News. Thus, most of your group will respect this source.
After a quick read, it appears in Trump’s case he’s issued a policy (which the story didn’t reprint) that applies to everyone, and some news reporters say it’s not constitutional. Some are also being denied access for violating the policy or for not agreeing to follow it. I think in the Kerkman case, according to KCE, it’s gone a step further: all reporters are allowed in to intake court EXCEPT KCE. According to KCE, in the Kerkman case, the commissioner / judge aren’t saying: you violated this policy, and if you correct your conduct, you can come back.
And I also think that first distinction could be an issue, too. Trump is the executive branch trying to exercise power and control. That’s what executives do. The courts are there to keep him in check. But Kerkman is the judicial branch and is supposed to uphold the law, hence KCE’s civil lawsuit that has been filed. Will the judge side with the judges (Michel, Kerkman, and the Racine judge who supervises Kerkman)? We’ll see.
I’m not being courageous (but thanks). I don’t know much about Trump. Staying out of national politics leads to a peaceful life.
We don’t respond because it’s the same old shit with folks like you…no time wasted here.
Don’t kid yourself. You don’t respond because you can not logically or intelligently compose a response.
Fair point . What is Kerkman’s track record as far as being a decent judge? I like a lot of the things Trump does —- one thing is too you know exacty what you’re getting into —- Trump has been TRUMP for 40 years —- a loudmouth crazy New Yorker —- Kerkman seems like he is going actually batshit nuts
I see Trump is always on your mind, that gives me joy as clearly you don’t care for him. I love that you think about how he is your President all the time LMAO 🤣
No, because you suffer from TDS and would not understand any explanations given.
You need to write the truth. The truth is that it is impossible for you or anyone else in your Cult to explain away this damning inconsistency in your thought process.
Cult???? You are batshit crazy! Just because someone has a difference in political belief does not mean it is a cult? You are nuts!!!
Unquestioning full obedience, loyalty, and the refusal to see or acknowledge any obvious faults in a deeply flawed leader is “cult like” behavior.
https://youtu.be/kB-dJaCXAxA?si=sOl9ACd7aQJ4WVKZ
Yawn. Your attempt at getting a rise out of someone is fruitless.
Poor Baby with your TDS-get some help
Maybe you could help me get over my TDS by explaining why Trump’s actions are any different from Kerkman’s. Can you do that? Do you even have the courage to try?
I think that they are saying you have TDS because this story has nothing to do with Trump yet you still feel the need to include Trump in the conversation, like a scorned emotional lady that keeps talking about her ex all the time
Amen…. Somebody just hit the nail on the head!
Can YOU explain why Trump is acting so irrationally that you constantly try, not successfully, to compare him to the unhinged actions of Kerkman? You keep saying to compare them yet you have not once said what Trump has done.
In other words, can you describe where on this imaginary doll, where Trump hurt you? If it’s your head/brain, seek psychiatric help immediately.
There are countless examples. However, the Trump Cult media rarely reports on any of them. Thus, you people are completely unaware that Trump is a tyrant, just like Kerkman.
This is a link to an article from Fox News that describes Trump’s war department denying access to reporters they don’t like. This is exactly what Kerkman is doing to Kevin.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-york-times-sues-pentagon-over-its-new-press-policy-says-violates-first-fifth-amendment-rights.amp
Most of you people will respect this source as credible since it has played a big part in converting all of you to blissfully ignorant people.
https://youtu.be/U1FxfR3lg6Q?si=REZZPcy-wa3P4eLc
Again….. Batshit crazy! This article has absolutely nothing to do with our president. Our wonderful king!😄
In additions to being the Pedophile-In-Chief, Trump is also the Commander-in-Chief. I thought you were smart enough to understand that means he is in charge of the military. Does that help you understand?
You are certifiably crazy!. Do you know how unintelligent you sound ranting and raving about Trump?
I am not the one who doesn’t understand that the president is in charge of the media.
The EYE is everywhere. It’s not one person, it’s a vast network. Local judges and other politicians need to shape up. They Eye is all around you.
FBI Tip Line keep sending in more tips on Dirty Chad
Chad is going to realize the hard truth soon. His days of cocaine highs are coming to an end
He’s a bitter flaming homo. That veteran served, so this scumbag can do shit like this? Fuck him!
Yeah , there’s something going on there with that dude! Just come out of the closet and get it over with…..shit!
Cuck Kerkman needs to be demoted to the public defender office next election. See to it.
He shouldn’t even be allowed that!! Lock him up!
Chad kerkman is a pedophile
I believe that everyone has their right to their opinion , but the language is getting very bad it sounds like very uneducated people.
Not gonna lie. You sound like a closet Diddy
…says Kerkmans boyfriend
All bs aside I hope all the judges in the courthouse get their shit together before internal affairs gets involved and they all go down for abusing their power and start looking out for the victims so they don’t reoffend!
They absolutely need to be investigated! Period!
He just fired a veteran, a man that has done more for this country than he ever will. This judge needs to go ASAP!
Amen!
Obviously Kerkman and several others involved in the judicial system have many issues, along with his ex- wife, even the Sheriff.
What if the common thread was cocaine? Wouldn’t this explain the behaviors? Sheriff appears a corrupt turncoat very close to the county Exec., a mindless disgrace, worse for wear and tear. Several Commissioners seem to be uncaring towards victims and letting criminals off. DA’s office, majority of the ADA’s seem to be part of a conspiracy to destroy Solis.
Image they are all part of the Kerkman gang?
Nothing would surprise me. Judicial system in Kenosha corrupted by cocaine, the common thread?
How would we demand the State of WI. drug test the judges, ADA’s? How to get Kerkman’s home and butt hut raided with search warrants due to his condition and being detrimental to so many lives?
Nothing would surprise me.
Not even the Sheriff being the supplier through cartel connections he may have made while being corrupt. I wonder if this is the common thread for their little club of evil they belong to?
If not, it would make a hell of a movie.
THIS MAN IS A LUNATIC MADONE!!
This is terrible! West Jacobs is an American Hero-thank you sir, for your service to our country! As for Jerkman, something needs to be done. He has to be removed before he does more damage. He is a monster
This fine Patriot needs to lawyer up. I will contribute to his fund
That a degenerate hair-triggered homosexual, protected by a societal destabilizing alpha-female Democrat, both of whom naturally hate a “real guy” White Normal man, especially one that is ex-military & a Harley rider, should be expected as “an automatic”.
Ex-military guys, despised by Democrats who fear them, like the good bailiff were trained in how to hunt and kill people in their earlier years.
As the nation’s justice system and culture deteriorates and further polarizes into political disintegration, their skills will become critical at the local neighborhood level – to erase the vicious homosexual/lesbian, old/middle-aged retrograde Democrat cat ladies, Socialist indoctrinating educators at all levels, and the Gens Y&Z Mad Max equivalent violent female/male segments whom were public education programmed to social violence, and functionally incapable of critical thinking and civility.
Oh yeah , a Harley rider , that is the only way to be a ” real guy “. I get so sick of blowhards bragging about being a Harley rider . F’em
You must ride a crotch rocket…who’s the homo now?
Yeah, they’re used to being bent over like that.
Says the lazy, faggot rice grinder rider. When are you moving out of your Mom’s basement loser?
Not a Harley rider. Obviously, you a case of the shockingly limited mental bandwidth of the alpha-male STUPID prototype (a minority pumped up pea-brained segment of the criminally insane, suicidal Democrats) – a byproduct of public education by 1) Self-entitled, arrogant, gossipy NEA Democrat coffee-klatsch cat ladies accruing undeserved pension benefits, 2) Homos-active & closet-case repressed internet porno addicts (ripe easy conviction pickings for DA Solis & Rep Crew) 3) All anti-White male lesbians, & 4) All anti-White garden-variety brownoids previously exalted as “America’s Future” by the now rapidly failing, increasingly violent Globalist/Democrat free-ride get-overs whose day of Biblical weeping and gnashing of teeth is on the horizon.
Thanks for describing yourself. You’re exactly who I thought you were. You couldn’t afford a Harley, or hold one up. It’s really sad this veteran served, so people like you could exist. It’s a good thing WW2 didn’t happen now, because your generation would have lost. Go back to your video games in your parents basement little boy.
Isn’t it time for your mommy to make your dinner?
You have no idea who I am, my age or net worth (assets minus liabilities – not an overlevered real estate asset blowhard easily blown up and worn down illiquid as the economy tanks).
FYI- I can buy multiple Harleys for cash presto easily – without an inheritance, suing anyone, or defrauding SS Disability. I have zero interest in any Harley, except perhaps as a financial asset, net of storage costs. Having personally witnessed a biker’s death getting t-boned in FL long ago by a Chrysler New Yorker (biker was thrown 20 feet into the air and landed SPLATT!), I decided I’d pass on risking that “macho thrill”.
Regarding WW2 – irrelevant. Preparation for fighting a past war is the mark of a dead moron and those that follow “it” (today, “it” may be a leftover Bidenite degenerate homo, lesbo, or tranny).
WW3? LOL! Thermonuclear incineration destroys ALL life. However, a more likely CW2 will MAKE a new generation and you are correct that all marshmallows will get burnt, of which, I am not among them. Best wishes to you if you are a Patriot, even if ignorant.
The bailiff is 75 years old, he should of retired long ago and be enjoying his life/family.
Why? He loved it and they loved him.
I think that’s his decision to make. Nor yours.
OMG, do you realize that working or keeping your body and mind active is the true formula to a long life. You must be young and dumb. You’ll be having a grabber at 40, usually lazy non motivated people have nothing but health problems from being inactive. I’m glad we have 75 years old people still offering something to our everyday life. He should be re-hired immediately.
A hero, such as this bailiff, are unable to retire. They have a sense of need to serve their communities. So keep your opinions to yourself regarding what he does, and does not do with his time.
I love the ignorance a public post can offer. Lots of Trump comments, yet this is about Chad. Hmmm…
Mr. Jacobs,
Thank you for your courageous service.
I’m sorry a hero like you is forced to deal
with a leftwing activist disguised as a judge.
I will pray you get your job back. 🙏🏻
This county needs more men like you.
Mr. Jacobs is a conscientious and honorable man. He earned the word “honorable” by service, not election.
Ms. Matoska-Mentink is simply the spear carrier but it was thrust by the judge who should have had the stones to do his own dirty work.
Once again the Kudge extraordinaire.
Kerkman is likely:
– a homosexual
– a liberal
– has had the Covid vaccines
– has had all boosters
– has dependency issues
Fuel the above with the power of a judge and you have one out of control faggot that is no longer human.
Judge Kerkman : with all due respect, resign. You are not capable of sound judgement.
Pureblood prophet .. What does one’s sexuality have to do with anything, nobody’s business of who they love.
It shows they have a mental illness, it’s not natural and shows something is wrong in the brain.
Mr. Jacobs should entertain either a run for Sheriff or County Executive. Believe either position he’d take it in a landslide.
Because he was fired or a veteran? Um OK.
How about Salem Lakes?
Wonder if Kerman is a pitcher or catcher, have a feeling he likes it up the ass.
Sad that kerkman wears his doorknob sized buttplug while hearing cases… I know *** ******* said his breath smells like cum
This is called America today. You are free to share and say what you want but sometimes there are consequences. This is the way it is in corporate America, too.