Kenosha County, Wis.– Former Village of Pleasant Prairie Public Works Director John Steinbrink, Jr., who has been serving time in the Kenosha County Detention Center, will not be receiving an early release, despite repeated attempts to secure electronic monitoring from Sheriff David W. Zoerner. He will remain behind bars until May of this year.
Steinbrink, who was initially charged with seven felony counts related to misconduct in public office, saw his charges significantly reduced after the Racine County District Attorney’s Office dropped all felonies. He ultimately pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of attempted misconduct in public office. While the DA sought probation, Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Milisauskas delivered a firm sentence of one year in jail.
Steinbrink is the son of John Steinbrink, Sr., the Village of Pleasant Prairie’s President, adding another layer of public scrutiny to the case.
Despite the leniency shown by prosecutors, Steinbrink has made multiple attempts to obtain special treatment. Public records obtained by Kenosha County Eye confirm that Steinbrink personally emailed Sheriff Zoerner on November 22, 2024, and again on February 6, 2025, pleading for electronic ankle monitoring. His emails, citing his “commitment to contributing to the community” and “cooperative” behavior, requested that he be allowed to complete his sentence from home.
Sheriff Zoerner, however, has refused to grant Steinbrink’s requests, ensuring that the former official serves his sentence in full. While many public officials have faced scrutiny for granting special privileges to well-connected individuals, Zoerner has maintained his commitment to equal treatment under the law. His office confirmed that Steinbrink was never released early, despite speculation and rumors to the contrary.
Steinbrink’s legal troubles began in July 2022 when he was charged with felony theft over $10,000 and six counts of felony misconduct in public office. He originally faced more than 30 years behind bars. The criminal complaint detailed a disturbing pattern of abuse, including using public resources and employees for personal gain. Among the allegations:
- Directing public works employees to repair a dump truck and a wood chipper that he later acquired for himself.
- Using village funds for property improvements benefiting his family’s land.
- Ordering village employees to conduct concrete work at his private residence while they were on duty.
- Directing employees to forge official documents to cover up misconduct.
- Improperly handling the abandonment of a village well, leading to environmental concerns.
Numerous public works employees described the work environment under Steinbrink as toxic and fear-driven, with many stating they believed their jobs were at risk if they refused his directives.
While Steinbrink received a major break from the Racine County DA’s Office—on the request of then-DA Michael Graveley, a Democrat—Judge Milisauskas ensured some level of accountability by handing down a jail sentence. Now, Sheriff Zoerner has reinforced that accountability by upholding the court’s ruling and rejecting any attempt at preferential treatment.
Sheriff Zoerner’s stance sends a strong message: public corruption will not be tolerated, and those who violate the trust of their office will serve their time like any other offender. In a time when public faith in government institutions is often questioned, his firm and fair handling of this case stands as an example of integrity in law enforcement.
Sheriff Zoerner did not wish to publicly comment on this matter and said that the records KCE obtained speak for themselves.
38 Responses
thank you Sheriff Zoerner
He still getting paid why he crying. And daddy still being the same way he was before. Sit down, be humble!( in my Kendrick Lamar voice)
He’s on Huber still working for Jansens. I see him out and about all the time
Yep seen him myself out and about
Hansens pool not Jansens
He is still so arrogant. I’ve been a good boy in jail why can’t I go home? Don’t you know I’m John Steinbrink Sr.’s son?
Jr probably has a cellmate who wants to give him a nice, big sausage during the night so he wants to go home to sleep. Hahaha
Sgt Hard?
Unbelievable, he should have a couple years to go, but I guess we just don’t understand how special he is.
7 Felony. Wth only county jail. If he was anyone else it would been 10 years in state prison.
Come on Dave he’s your best friends friend. He did his time. We all know they all been corrupt over there forever. They’re still corrupt in the village. Just ask around. The whole family’s benefited from the village taxpayers. Super corrupt.
Hey Dave you did endorse Donald Trump. He’s a felon. Why’d you do that?
LMAO keep crying about your president, whining troll.
Not MY president
For cheaper eggs?
Funny yall care about egg prices now. Couldn’t give a rip about prices the last 3.5 years
That’s your only argument? Hahahaha
Hey genius. Was there injustice and political lawfare with Stienbrink like there was for Trump? Was Trump ever sentenced to jail? Did Steinbrink run for president and therefore have half the country endorse him because he was the only non-retarded choice?
Mr. Steinbrink, jr. should not get special treatment. I’ve said that for a long time and I think most readers here agree.
But tonight that got me wondering what exactly is the Sheriff’s Department policy for which inmates qualify for electronic monitoring? What is the criteria?
No cocaine in the white house no kick backs to the Biden family. Wow not to mention the man was unfit for office. Hence why they created the 25th amendments No preemptive pardons handed out to his entire family. Really John jr should be doing harder time then he got. If I lied to the DNR like he did my hunting rights my land rights all gone. Not to mention sex several times in the work place. John should be happy with his weak sentence and do the time.
Pleasant Prairie residents remember this when we go to the polls, we need a clean break from Steinbrinks greedy arm that controls the village board, Klimish is part of the board that turned a blind eye to stopping all the evil they did. Polloncoff you are next! VOTE ERIC!!
Who gives the right to the sheriff to decide this.
Wisconsin statute that was written by our elected representatives.
What is KSD’s criteria for who is eligible?
KESO
Oh poor Jr supporter. Wah wah
So Juinor works for Hanson pools, is that correct? If so, I’ll take my pool business to Doheny pools.
That’s correct.
Let’s make sure we don’t support Hansons pool. They are supporting this piece of shit by letting him work there.
Doheny’s is WAY Better anyway! Better/more polite staff, great owner who looks out for the customer And not over priced!!
He doesn’t work for Hansens, he has is own pool construction business.
I heard they are cross dressers
“Commitment to contributing to the community “. LOL. Loser
Unbelievable! He got a huge break with that plea deal and still isn’t happy! Goes to show how he is use to getting his own way all the time!!! Suck it up buttercup, your time will be up before you know it!!
I hope people refrain from stating businesses unless absolutely positive. Why discredit a small business even if he does work at a place ( I’m sure he is in jail) not earning money.
Steinbrink stink .
He should be put away for at least a decade!
People are so angry on here.