(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County EYe)
KENOSHA, Wis. — In the wake of the killing of Makayla Rutka Plaza, Kenosha County court officials have quietly removed Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II from handling restraining order cases, a significant shift in courtroom duties that follows mounting scrutiny of his decisions.
Kenosha County Eye previously reported that on the Monday following Plaza’s death — a day when restraining orders are typically heard — Michel was present in the courthouse but was not taking cases. Instead, judges stepped in to preside over restraining order hearings.
Now, Kenosha County Eye has confirmed that the change is permanent, at least for the time being. Michel will no longer handle restraining orders, and those cases will instead be assigned to Family Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers and Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse, according to court records.
The move comes after intense attention on Michel’s handling of Plaza’s restraining order request weeks before her death. Court transcripts previously obtained by Kenosha County Eye show Plaza pleaded for protection, but her request was denied.
Kenosha County Eye reached out to multiple judges for comment on the decision to reassign restraining order duties, including whether the change was made through a formal vote. None responded. There is a chance that Judge Chad Kerkman made this decision unilaterally. He assumed leadership, authority and dominance over the other 7 Judges and most of them allow it. State statute makes it clear that the other 7 judges don’t report to Kerkman, his honorary title of “Deputy Chief Judge” gives him no more authority that other, duly-elected judges.
However, sources familiar with the decision told Kenosha County Eye that judges no longer have confidence in Michel’s judgment when it comes to restraining orders following Plaza’s death. Those sources also indicated that broader concerns have been raised about Michel’s recent performance on the bench.
Kenosha County Eye is further told that Michel’s position as court commissioner may be in jeopardy as scrutiny continues over what sources describe as a pattern of mistakes in recent cases.
Kenosha County Eye will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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3 Responses
Deputy Chief Judge is not an honorary title but essentially is a liaison to the chief judge in Racine.
Good move.
This guy was just trying to do his job to the best of his ability, give him another chance