Kenosha, Wis. – A jury has found 56-year-old Justin S. Blake of Chicago not guilty of disorderly conduct, nearly four years after he was initially cited for the offense. The six-member jury reached its verdict in less than 20 minutes on Monday, clearing Blake of the non-criminal charge stemming from an April 2021 protest outside the Kenosha Public Safety Building.

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Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake—whose 2020 police shooting sparked widespread demonstrations—was originally cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly blocking access to the Public Safety Building during a protest. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office had recommended more severe criminal charges, including obstructing an officer, but then-District Attorney Michael Graveley referred the case to Walworth County instead of prosecuting it himself. Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Weidenfeld (D) ultimately chose to issue only a non-criminal citation.

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Blake was initially found guilty in absentia on July 14, 2021, after failing to appear in court. However, then-commissioner Geoffrey Dowse later reopened the case, leading to this week’s trial.

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The 2021 Incident

According to law enforcement reports, on April 25, 2021, a small protest formed outside the Kenosha Public Safety Building. Protesters allegedly blocked the main entrance, preventing access to the facility for a prolonged period. Deputy reports indicated that law enforcement officers made multiple requests for demonstrators to clear the entrance, but Blake allegedly refused to comply.

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Authorities noted that the obstruction caused several logistical issues. An individual seeking to file a battery complaint was unable to enter through the main doors and had to be escorted through a different entrance by deputies. Similarly, another person attempting to retrieve police records reportedly struggled to communicate with staff due to loud protests outside the facility. Security footage also captured a woman forced to climb over protesters to access the intercom system at the entrance.

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Later that evening, Kenosha Sheriff’s deputies engaged with protest organizers to negotiate a resolution. Protesters, with arms interlocked, refused to move unless they were granted a meeting with Kenosha Police Deputy Chief Larson. While one individual voluntarily withdrew from the blockade, Blake and two others were taken into custody for disorderly conduct.

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Legal Proceedings and Verdict

Following his arrest, Blake initially refused to identify himself to authorities, leading to additional delays in his processing. However, reports indicate that upon further discussion with jail staff, he eventually complied and expressed appreciation for their treatment of him.

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After nearly four years of legal proceedings, the case culminated in a jury trial prosecuted by Walworth County Deputy District Attorney James Sempf, a former judicial candidate. The jury swiftly returned a not-guilty verdict, marking another loss for Walworth County in cases prosecuted in Kenosha as a special prosecutor.