(Racine Police)
RACINE, Wis. – Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis has agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement for former Racine Police Officer LaVontay Fenderson, allowing the fired officer to likely avoid a felony conviction and permanent criminal record despite allegations that he fraudulently collected more than $16,000 in taxpayer money.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Fenderson, a former school resource officer at Park High School, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft by false representation greater than $10,000 and one count of misconduct in public office before Racine County Judge Faye Flancher. However, rather than entering convictions, the court withheld findings of guilt and approved a one-year deferred prosecution agreement negotiated by Solis. If Fenderson successfully completes the agreement and pays restitution, he will likely avoid felony convictions altogether.
Under the agreement, Fenderson must repay $16,610.75 to the Racine Unified School District. A review hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2027.
The outcome has already generated criticism from some observers who say the deal is unusually generous considering the nature and duration of the alleged scheme.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators determined Fenderson repeatedly billed both the Racine Police Department and the Racine Unified School District for the same hours worked, including school sporting events and even normal daytime shifts when he was already on duty as a police officer. Investigators documented 72 separate instances where Fenderson allegedly received overlapping compensation from both entities.
The complaint alleges the conduct occurred between December 2022 and September 2024 and caused losses totaling $16,610.75 to RUSD. Investigators stated the conduct was not accidental and described it as a pattern that progressively increased over time.
The investigation began after Racine Police supervisors noticed irregularities in Fenderson’s overtime records and requested that the Kenosha Police Department conduct an outside investigation to avoid any appearance of bias. Kenosha investigators reviewed extensive payroll records, overtime submissions, and district timekeeping data before recommending felony charges.
The criminal complaint also referenced possible financial motives. Investigators noted that Fenderson’s wife filed for divorce in 2020, finalized in 2021, and that he was later served with eviction paperwork in 2023.
Former Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson (D) refused to charge the officer, and the case remained unresolved until Solis took office and ultimately filed charges personally.
Still, critics say the final resolution falls far short of accountability, especially considering ordinary defendants accused of stealing over $16,000 would likely face felony convictions and potential prison exposure.
Fenderson resigned from the Racine Police Department in May 2025, months after the allegations surfaced publicly. He had remained employed for an extended period after investigators had already documented the alleged misconduct.
Court records show Solis personally handled the prosecution throughout the case as a special prosecutor from Kenosha County.
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3 Responses
Reminds me of the time Racine PD hired another fella who got pulled over in a stolen car on the way to the interview (DEI….hmmmmm)
What a deal. A regular, run of the mill guy certainly would not be treated so well. Solis definitely is backing the blue no matter what they do.
Cops are underpaid, and his supervisor approved the theft of overtime. back da blue no matter what, they serve you, protect you, and would give their life for you.