Drug-Using Therapist Slapped With Five-Count Criminal Case, Including Criminal Defamation; Sued Today For Defamation

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Jacqueline Niccolai, 38, of Kenosha – Drug-Using Therapist and Former Foster Mom
(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office)

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman who works as a licensed therapist, and whose license is currently under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, was hit with a five-count criminal complaint this week after a two-year campaign of social media defamation targeting Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson, court records show. Niccolai was also previously a foster mom.

Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 38, of Kenosha, was charged April 7, 2026, with criminal defamation, computer message threaten/obscenity, disorderly conduct, and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. The complaint was charged by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office.

The case marks the fourth time Niccolai has faced legal action in Kenosha County. Her first case involved carrying a firearm while intoxicated. Her second involved two counts of violating a harassment restraining order obtained by Mathewson. The restraining order was originally granted by a court commissioner and later upheld on appeal. Niccolai was later charged after repeatedly violating the order by contacting Mathewson on social media, including calling him a “pussy” and other vulgar names. Her third case was an OWI. She is now facing her most serious package of charges yet. Mathewson also filed a civil defamation lawsuit against Niccolai today in Kenosha County Circuit Court.

According to the criminal complaint, Niccolai operated two Facebook pages and associated websites through which she published a sustained campaign of false allegations against Kenosha County Eye editor Kevin Mathewson.

Those allegations included claims that Mathewson is a pedophile and a rapist, among other false sexual allegations. She also falsely accused Mathewson of going to jail for beating his child. The Kenosha Police Department confirmed through a records inquiry that no complaints or calls for service involving any sexual crimes exist in relation to Mathewson. KPD has never taken a sexual assault complaint naming Mathewson as an aggressor.

The complaint documents nine specific incidents of defamatory content spanning from 2024 through March 2026, including posts in which Niccolai used hashtags including #KevinPedoson, #Perv, and #Pedo, listed Mathewson by name alongside other individuals she characterized as predators and urged the public to “remember their names and steer clear,” directly called Mathewson a pedophile, endorsed third-party claims that Mathewson is a pedophile, and admitted she had “created an entire Facebook page dedicated to outting him.”

Her most recent social media post has been widely seen in Kenosha, and many people reading this story have likely already come across it. Even some people who have openly criticized Mathewson in the past have said Niccolai went too far with the allegations. One Kenosha man wrote on Facebook, “This defamation suit is going to be epic.”

Kenosha Police Body-Worn Camera Footage
Kenosha Police Body-Worn Camera Footage

In that post, Niccolai falsely claimed that Mathewson had been kicked out of a bar for sexually assaulting a woman in a bathroom. She also claimed that he was sexualizing 7- and 8-year-olds so they would have sex with him when they turned 18. Those allegations are not supported by any police records, complaints, or court filings.

The computer message obscenity charge stems from posts in which Niccolai published sexually obscene content directed at Mathewson.

The two bail jumping counts stem from Niccolai’s status at the time of the offenses. She had been on a $1,000 no-cash bail since Sept. 16, 2025, following charges for violating the harassment restraining order, and had signed a bond condition explicitly prohibiting her from committing any additional crimes.

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David Hughes In Court
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Judge David O. Hughes declined to issue an arrest warrant for Niccolai on April 9, 2026, despite a request from the Kenosha Police Department. Instead, Hughes ordered a summons be issued.

In his written order, Hughes wrote that while the complaint established probable cause, it did not overcome the statutory presumption against issuing warrants for misdemeanor crimes. He noted that the complaint described Niccolai as living in Kenosha County and offered no reason to believe she would flee or refuse to appear, pointing to a prior voluntary court appearance as evidence.

Kenosha County Eye does not know the specific reasons Kenosha Police requested the warrant. However, Niccolai has a documented history of dangerous and erratic behavior, including multiple suicide attempts requiring hospitalization and intensive care, an emergency detention under Wisconsin’s Chapter 51 mental health statute, threats to kill police officers, kicking out a police squad window, and other alarming behavior documented in police reports and video obtained by Kenosha County Eye.

Misdemeanor arrest warrants have been routinely signed in Kenosha County for decades. Kenosha County Eye cannot identify another instance in recent memory in which a misdemeanor warrant request supported by a probable cause finding was declined by a Kenosha County judge.

Jacqueline Niccolai, 38, of Kenosha – Drug-Using Therapist and Former Foster Mom and
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Angelina Gabriele (D)
(facebook.com)

This is not the first time a warrant in a case involving Niccolai has been blocked. When Niccolai was previously charged with violating the harassment restraining order, Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II declined to sign a warrant at the direction of Deputy Chief Judge Chad Kerkman, according to a source with direct knowledge of that communication. It is not known whether a similar dynamic influenced Hughes’s decision. Judge Kerkman holds an honorary administrative title as deputy chief judge but is not the supervising authority over other circuit court judges.

Kenosha County Eye has also obtained a text message sent by Niccolai to a friend in which she wrote that she was “just laying in bed blackmailing judges.” It is not known which judges, if any, she was specifically referencing.

Niccolai’s criminal history stretches back several years. In addition to carrying a firearm while intoxicated, violating a harassment restraining order, and OWI, police records document threats against law enforcement officers and violent behavior during police contacts.

Niccolai is a licensed therapist in Wisconsin. Her license is currently under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Court records in her various cases document drug use. Text messages provided to Kenosha County Eye by a former friend of Niccolai’s confirm her use of cocaine.

The fact that a woman facing four cases in Kenosha County, with documented drug use, multiple mental health crises, threats toward police, and repeated criminal allegations, holds an active license to provide therapeutic services to vulnerable patients has alarmed many in the community.

Mathewson, who is both the victim in the criminal case and the plaintiff in a civil defamation lawsuit filed against Niccolai today in Kenosha County Circuit Court, issued the following statement:

“This woman is a licensed therapist whose license is currently under investigation. For two years she has run a campaign calling me a pedophile, a rapist, and a child abuser, allegations that are verifiably false and easily proven false. After two years of tolerating her lies I contacted law enforcement and today I filed a civil defamation lawsuit against her. I value free speech, but calling someone a pedophile, a rapist, and a child abuser crosses a line the First Amendment does not protect. Her campaign of defamation ends now. I recognize she has documented mental health struggles, she has made multiple suicide attempts and been emergency detained under Chapter 51, but that is not an excuse for her behavior. She is a very nasty woman with a tight-knit group of followers, many of whom are themselves criminals I have reported on over the years.”

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman (D)
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Mathewson also questioned why warrants have repeatedly been denied in Niccolai’s cases.

“She claims she is blackmailing judges, and I’m told she is friends with several people in the courthouse, including self-described ‘Chief Judge’ Chad Kerkman,” Mathewson said. “I know Hughes isn’t involved in anything improper, but I do want to know whether Chad Kerkman is influencing these decisions. Why are other judges and court commissioners being told what to do in Niccolai’s cases?”

Niccolai has publicly blamed her arrests on what she has called “the corrupt” Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, and Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office.

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  1. Let this be a warning to anyone that put false BS on social media. This appears to be a bridge too far, dumb.

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  2. It’s ridiculous how obsessed she is with this author. First comes the criminal conviction, and then civil suit follows. The good news is, JN, you’ve earned it. So Stupid, just for clicks.

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        1. What goes both ways? Name a defamation suit Kevin has lost. When people like JN post false content on their page for clicks, it’s a crime. Defamation on social media is becoming more common than you might think, and I caution anyone about the ramifications of posting false information. The First Amendment doesn’t protect false speech, and she’s going to find out the hard way. Once she’s done being criminally convicted, she can look forward to a civil judgment- all for clicks.

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  3. Freaking wild how she went from a pro-life advocate & foster parent to a bonafide whackadoo.

    Drugs are bad, m’kay kids?

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  4. Who in the right mind would allow her to be a therapist to them or their child ? Omg !! This is terrifying that we allow this type to be licensed to see patients!!!

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    1. This woman is mentally ill and should NOT be receiving patients and giving out therapy to them! Her license needs to be revoked! She also needs counseling herself!

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      1. They call it the blind leading the blind. She’s completely wrecking her life over high school drama and baseless gossip. Hope her ridiculous site was worth it. Maybe she can commiserate with the other trolls in the community. It’s not funny anymore welcome to the legal system.

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      2. The fact that a scrambled eggs whackadac dysfunctional mental case at has not yet had her therapist license terminated with multi-year evidence to date refects very poorly on the state.

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  5. The quote about an OWI being a right of passage, in Kenosha it seems the courts sure don’t take drunk driving too seriously.

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    1. I only lived in Wisconsin for the ages of 7-10 yet I also thought over-drinking was over-common in Wisconsin! Even kids notice.

      1. Is that a kenosha thing? I know someone out in Lake Country who got one, 1st offense, and it’s on ccap.

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          1. I think the question is whether that’s Kenosha specific policy; some other Wisconsin counties still send 1st OWIs through the circuit court.

            1. If it’s Kenosha PD, it goes to Muni court, if it’s the Sheriff’s Office in Somers, Salem Lakes, Bristol, Paddock Lake, it goes on CCAP. Niccolai’s was in the City of Kensoha.

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          2. Lake Country… ie the wanna be snobs in Waukesha, oconomowoc, Hartland area. His was a first offense and it’s on ccap

  6. It almost seems like she has a crush on you, Kevin, and this is a diabolical case of a mentally ill woman scorned! It is time she gets put away for her crimes. If she indeed has the entire court system in her back pocket as she says, then we need a complete overhaul, for this county is too corrupt to continue.

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  7. Why isn’t the Wisconsin Judicial Review Commission investigating the Kenosha County Courts regarding these allegations?

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  8. The most hypocritical thing of all is she complains about the broken system and how they are all corrupt. As she’s the one that’s part of the corruption and saying her blood work will be thrown out. Literally a hypocrite

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    1. I expected one of the perverted creepy old men on this site to share their sexual fantasies with all of us.

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      1. Wow that didn’t even sound like a fantasy. is that would you got out of it? I think maybe your digging into your inner self and possibly it’s YOU having fantasies. ..hmmm

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  9. Good for you Kevin, standing up to her obvious defamation. So easy to damage someone’s reputation and professional standing with nothing at all to back it up.

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  10. i have a case before gabriel comming up, im gonna contact jackie and see how much it will take for a dismissal

    1. YUP.
      “Judges” … fraternizing with crap like that is the kind of stuff that Muslims
      use as evidence of the need for Sharia law.

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  11. The handgun.
    Wonder if a trace was run on it, where it came from, and any final disposition….was it confiscated, or did the courts order it returned?

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  12. Love that pic with the judge. Women often take pics with their heads close together. It’s as if they think the camera lens won’t capture them both unless they’re (figuratively) glued together.

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  13. Another story linking teddy and kerkman to crazy drug ridden idiots who are head cases! Hopefully everyone sees the pattern! How is Teddy even practicing law?? I’d guess the hook up for the blow is more valuable than the disgrace of being associated! How have we gotten here in society that these people actually have followers?? Crazy

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  14. Her mental illnesses are serious and could be deadly. Keep your head on a swivel Kevin she’s dangerous. Incarceration can’t fix her and we no longer have institutions that could help

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  15. ….”no matter how good she looks; how sweet she talks….some guy is tired or her BS.” Used to call it the “Tawney Kaitan Syndrome” but alas; that saying is too sad to use.

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  16. Angelina Gabriele needs to go, Jason Barnhill, the alcoholic, woman and sexual predator was also friends with this judge.

  17. What do you call Jacqueline Niccolai and Ted Kmiec giving advice?

    Synthetic weed — technically legal, but you know it’s going to ruin your night😭

  18. If it’s true that judge is actually trying to tap Jackie, he better use a couple hefty bags as contraception. Knowing her record, if he doesn’t use that it’ll be like Pokémon, he’ll catch all of the STDs 😖

  19. It’s funny how the site run by this therapist seems to draw in all sorts of trolls and, honestly, people who could use some actual therapy, even more than JN therapy. The list of them is long, so it’s smart to screenshot their supporters and avoid getting caught up in their chaos.

  20. Uh oh. She’s up and posting again and played the victim. Wait u til berg and caputo come to her rescue. Criminals gonna stick together

    1. Speaking of criminals, berg posted about not being able to get a prosecutor. Few posts before that about working a job. Bro you’re a loser. Using a vet status to get a prosecutor paid for after you sold guns and drugs with your kid in the house????? That’s your defense? I’m a vet who did nothing? Kev do a story on this bullshit! Since your a vet you get a free lawyer after all that? Of course your Kenosha exposed follower.

  21. The Sheriff of Dodge County just filed a Million Dollar defamation lawsuit against a woman over falsehoods.
    $$Million Dollars$$

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Twin Lakes Man Accused Of Choking Wife Twice During Domestic Violence Incident Given $1,500 Cash Bail

Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes, was charged Wednesday with felony strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery, and disorderly conduct after prosecutors allege he attacked his wife during a domestic violence incident earlier this month. Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

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Former Waukegan Police Officer Previously Convicted Of Statutory Rape Charged After Prosecutors Say He Urged ICE To Deport Former Girlfriend

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Willis K. Baird, 55, of Kenosha, a former Waukegan police officer who was previously convicted in Illinois of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old girl, is facing a felony stalking charge after prosecutors allege he repeatedly targeted a former girlfriend by standing outside her workplace with signs identifying her

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Prosecutors Refile KDOG Cocaine Delivery Case After Missing Legal Deadline, Judge Orders Confidential Informant’s Identity Disclosed

Lavell T. Craig, 48(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Less than a week after a Kenosha County judge dismissed a felony drug case because prosecutors missed a statutory deadline, the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office has refiled the charges against Lavell T. Craig, 48, with one significant condition imposed by the court: prosecutors must immediately disclose the identity of the confidential informant

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$10,000 Cash Bail Set For Kenosha Teen Accused Of Stalking, Sending Alleged Murder Threats

Calvyn Akai Moore, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Calvyn Akai Moore, 18, of Kenosha, is being held on a $10,000 cash bail after prosecutors charged him with felony stalking and two misdemeanor counts of sending threatening computerized messages in a domestic abuse case stemming from allegations that he repeatedly threatened his child’s mother and her new boyfriend. Calvyn Akai

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Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Sexual Assault Nearly Two Years Later; Summoned To Court Instead Of Arrested

Larry L. Hall, 42, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Larry L. Hall, 42, of Kenosha, has been charged with felony second-degree sexual assault in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted a heavily intoxicated woman in Veteran’s Park in August 2024. Rather than being arrested, Hall was issued a summons ordering him to appear in Kenosha County Intake Court on

LakeFest Returns Aug. 22 With Expanded Festival, Live Music, Boat Parade And Family Activities Across Two Lakefront Venues

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of Kenosha’s largest summertime celebrations is returning next month with an expanded footprint, live entertainment at two waterfront locations, family-friendly activities, food, vendors and a sunset boat parade as LakeFest celebrates its fourth year on Saturday, Aug. 22. Organizers say this year’s festival will be the biggest yet, stretching across Celebration Place at HarborPark and the Kenosha Beach House

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Man Charged After Prosecutors Allege He Punched Pregnant Woman Carrying Twins, Kicked Her In The Stomach

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Montrell Clark, 23, of Kenosha, is facing criminal charges after prosecutors allege he repeatedly punched his ex-girlfriend, who was six months pregnant with twins, kicked her in the stomach, and damaged her vehicle during a confrontation outside their workplace in May. Clark is charged with battery to an unborn child,

City Launches Storm Brush Pickup As More Than 30,000 Kenosha County We Energies Customers Remain Without Power

KENOSHA, Wis. — As thousands of Kenosha County residents continue to deal with widespread power outages following Monday’s severe thunderstorms, the City of Kenosha has announced a special storm debris pickup program to help residents clear fallen trees and brush from their properties. The announcement comes as We Energies reports 30,643 customers without power in Kenosha County, the highest total of any county

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Commissioner Alex Smathers Gives Teen Waived Into Adult Court No-Cash Bail On Felony Auto Theft Charges

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Keith K. Wright Jr., a 16-year-old Racine teen who was waived from juvenile court into adult court on felony charges accusing him of stealing two vehicles, was nevertheless granted no-cash bail Tuesday by Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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