Aileen Henry Cuts Felony Retail Theft Defendant Loose on No-Cash Bail, Undercutting Even Defense Request

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Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, 41, of Waukegan
(Kenosha County Sheriff's Office)

KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry on Tuesday took the unusual step of setting bail below both the prosecution and defense positions in a felony retail theft case — something courtroom observers rarely see. Juan Zavala-Gonzalez, a 41-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man arrested Monday on a previously issued $5,000 cash warrant, appeared before the court facing a State request for $5,000 cash bail and even a defense request for $500 cash bail. Henry vacated the warrant and ordered no-cash bail. Henry has also applied for the full-time court commissioner position that became available following William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II’s departure from that role, and critics have questioned whether a commissioner who also maintains a substantial public defender contract can avoid the appearance of potential conflicts.

Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

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Author

Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.

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