KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry (D) was back on the bench Monday, and once again, serious criminal allegations were met with surprisingly low bail amounts and repeated no-cash release decisions that many residents believe put the public at risk.
Even by Kenosha County standards, the pattern was striking.
In one of the most serious cases of the day, a man accused of a drunken road-rage shooting — allegedly his third OWI offense — was given only a $2,500 cash bail after prosecutors asked for $20,000. According to the allegations, the man fired a handgun during the incident. Yet Henry apparently believed that $2,500 was enough to protect the public.
In another case, a defendant accused in a serious drug case involving fentanyl was released on only $500 cash bail after the District Attorney’s Office sought $5,000.
In multiple domestic violence and strangulation-related cases, Henry handed out no-cash bail. In at least one case, a defendant accused of felony child abuse was allowed to maintain contact with the alleged victim, despite allegations involving a young child. In another, a defendant accused of violent conduct was released on a signature bond while still being permitted contact with the alleged victim.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)
At times, it felt like watching Oprah hand out prizes.
“You get a no-cash bail. You get a no-cash bail. Everybody gets a no-cash bail.”
Henry’s defenders will say that people are presumed innocent and that bail is not supposed to be punitive. That is true. But bail is also supposed to protect the public, ensure court appearances, and reflect the seriousness of the allegations.
When someone accused of firing a gun during a drunken road-rage incident gets out for $2,500, or someone accused of strangulation walks out on no-cash bail, many law-abiding residents understandably wonder whether anyone in the system is putting victims and public safety first.
What makes the situation more troubling is that Henry has long been viewed as a far-left activist within the criminal justice system. She has reportedly done contract work for the public defender’s office, and critics believe she approaches the bench with a mindset focused almost entirely on getting defendants out of custody as quickly as possible.
Many residents believe Henry uses her limited authority as a supplemental court commissioner to push a release-first philosophy that does not match the reality of the violent crimes increasingly seen in Kenosha County.
The contrast was especially noticeable in the Makayla Plaza homicide case. With cameras in the courtroom and the victim’s family present, Henry more than doubled the previously set bail and imposed a $2 million cash bail. But once the cameras were gone and public scrutiny faded, it was back to business as usual: low cash bail, no-cash bail, and more defendants walking out the door.
Even Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II — whose low bail decisions have drawn criticism for years — looks almost conservative compared to Henry.
Kenosha County residents deserve court commissioners who balance defendants’ rights with public safety. They deserve commissioners who take allegations involving guns, strangulation, repeat drunk driving, and violence seriously.
If Henry wants to be an activist, there are plenty of places to do that. She can join a nonprofit, advocate for criminal justice reform, or campaign for changes in the law.
But she should not be using the bench to advance an ideology that many people believe is making Kenosha County less safe.
The Kenosha County judges should call an emergency meeting and remove Henry from her supplemental court commissioner role immediately. If they refuse to act, voters should remember which judges stood by these decisions the next time they appear on the ballot.
11 Responses
DEI strikes again
She’s a disgrace she should be charged
She can be removed by the judge who appointed her although that is not likely to happen. The judges could simply direct that she not sit in intake court.
There were several full-and-part-time commissioners who were more aware of the public safety. Jon Mason retired. Frank Parise became a private practice defense lawyer. Larry Keating got tired of the hassles and also retired. Part-time commissioners Ginkowski and Evans are no longer there. Politics. Meddling. Favoritism. What could possibly go wrong?
Omg lmao “You get a no-cash bail. You get a no-cash bail. Everybody gets a no-cash bail.”
Yes, I think this has a lot to do with power tripping and use of authority. DA’s keep asking for high bails and she hands out low bail’s or no cash bails , just to spite and show them she “CAN”.
Please do not suggest that “activists” join a nonprofit. Many nonprofits are supported by very average people trying to make the world a better place through hard work, fundraising, special events, donating funds for appropriate needs, and just trying to make the world a better place for everyone. Personally, I reserve the term “activist” for career loud mouths who talk more than do real work.
The so-called “judges” in Kenosha County are among the worst of the worst! Kenosha County has gone downhill for years solely BECAUSE of these JUDGES! There are NO consequences for those who break the law, their actions are almost rewarded as a slap in the face of all those who do follow the law and want safe communities! You were put on that bench to PROTECT the community from the people you’re letting walk scot-free!! What a disgrace you are!! If you want better for our communities than VOTE THEM OUT BECAUSE WE DESERVE BETTER!!!
May I ask…..we’re all the alleged perps black?
These liberal judges don’t give a fuck.
This woman and Michael needs to go, and most of the judges too!
This woman is a clown. Did all of our judges receive their diplomas from a Cracker Jack box?!!!! Such a disgrace to hear how the ones that should be charged and given high bail, just get a slap on the wrist. Kenosha was a nice town. Not anymore.