Kenosha, Wis. — Joshua Ziminski, the man who fired the first gunshot during the August 2020 riots in Kenosha, has been denied early release from prison.
Ziminski, 40, is serving a three-year prison term after pleading guilty last year to armed robbery and armed burglary stemming from an August 2022 incident. Prosecutors said Ziminski and his wife, Kelly, robbed a man at knifepoint and attempted to withdraw cash from his bank account. As part of a plea deal, former prosecutor T. Claire Binger dropped all charges related to the 2020 Kenosha riots, including arson and disorderly conduct.
In March, Ziminski filed a petition for sentence adjustment, citing strong institutional evaluations, program participation, and family support. He earned his high school equivalency diploma, completed anger management and parenting courses, and received glowing reviews from corrections staff. Letters from his children and mother, Jacqueline Ziminski, accompanied the filing.
“He was always willing to assist other students and instructors when needed,” wrote one staff evaluator. “He was a self-starter and extremely motivated.”
But the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office objected. Deputy District Attorney Andrew Burgoyne pointed to Ziminski’s disciplinary record behind bars, which includes seven rules violations since December 2023, including a 10-day room confinement as recently as December 2024.
“There is insufficient evidence of rehabilitation, and an early release would not be in the community’s best interests,” Burgoyne wrote in his objection.
On April 1, Judge Heather Iverson denied the petition, writing that sentence adjustment was “not in the public interest.”
Ziminski became eligible for sentence adjustment under Wisconsin law after completing 75% of his initial prison term. His sentence also includes four years of extended supervision.
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29 Responses
GOOD kenosha DA office , keep him locked up for the full 3 years ,
This guy fired a shot in the air as Rosenbaum threw an object at Rittenhouse. Looked like a planned jumping, 2 distractions and then the move to disarm. Since it led to the death of Rosenbaum this guy should be charged with felony murder for initiating a felony that led to a death. Classic 2 prison guys to doing a jumping can’t believe no one else can see it.
Ziminski is a manipulator, and he knew that Rosenbaum was easily influenced. He’s probably even manipulating correctional staff right now.
I agree with you 100%. If it wasn’t for Ziminski, the Rittenhouse situation NEVER would’ve occurred. 2 people would still be alive & Grosskreutz would still have his bicep.
Congrats man, “earned his high school equivalency diploma” at the age of 40. I suppose 22+ years late is better than never. Another loser from Kenosha, the city is full of them.
Yup, better late than never. Lots of things to dislike about this guy, earning his GED is not one of them.
Agree HE was the cause of what all went down that evening. He only got 3 years, DO your 3 years because it should have been 10+
POS He will always be in and out of prison.
The scum should of gotten 20-25 years. No doubt,
This POS, will be a repeat criminal after he gets out from this unbelievable short sentence.
What the fuck options does he have when neck tattoos and a felonies on his background check? Yeah, just keep his ass behind bars for as long as they can. Another burden on society that should be euthanized like the animal he is.
He will be pretty much limited to doordash or an administrative position with the school district
Best comment!
“He was always willing to assist other students and instructors when needed,” wrote one staff evaluator. “He was a self-starter and extremely motivated.”
Did this evaluator have knowledge of Ziminski’s prison rules violations? If so, he or she has no business evaluating anything.
He was probably paid off to say those things!! And his children wrote letters. Are they even old enough to comprehend what to write? They were pretty young I thought when he and his nasty wife robbed that poor man!!
I agree. Keep him till his Full Sentence is Complete.
In his list of accomplishments.
I didn’t see a job offer.
Maybe his family can go look for a job for him. They now know the exact date he’ll be able to start that job.
Heck. The jail could hire him. Seriously !!
He obviously got involved in all they have to offer. Was involved with other inmates and staff.
Seriously, can you think of any other job he would excel at ???
He has a porno out
The one with his wife and BBC guests?
Ziminski is itchin’ to get out so he can participate in the latest round of domestic terrorism, burning-vandalizing Tesla cars, dealerships, charging stations, and intimidating Tesla drivers.
Is to harsh to tie him to the back of a horse?
Harsh on the horse.
NO, but we will try to get you some powdered soap, since
it takes longer to pick up in the shower.
You are a worthless puke.
He’s itching for a garbage plate and some new training on how to damage car lots. Wait….. are we late?
“Received glowing reviews” crock of shit.Put him in with little kmiec and they can cry on each others shoulder and play hide the pepperoni
Is it hard to get a glowing review in prison? Seems a low bar
He should be in prison longer than three years he should rot in that prison cell. He is a horrible person and his wife too. They are danger to the community!!
Josh- Until Trump pardons you, we’ll keep the drinks on ice for you brother. TK
SCUM
The face tattoos are always helpful when looking for a job .
I cant Believe he only got 3 years for all he and his wife did to are community . This guy is a career crimnal , Watch when he does get out
he will be back in trouble for something im sure of it !
Funny how they completely forgot about his bail increase for witness intimidation.
Even if they would’ve let him put early, he’d be back behind bars soon enough.🤷🏽♂️