(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after police say he forcibly restrained his wife during an argument last week, preventing her from leaving their home.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Gerardo Mora Acosta, 54, was charged Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with false imprisonment, a Class H felony, and disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, both with domestic abuse enhancers. The most serious charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the couple’s residence on August 21 after a relative reported seeing the incident unfold on a Ring security camera. The witness told officers she saw Mora Acosta physically pull the victim back into the home as she tried to leave through the back door. Officers later reviewed the video and confirmed that the victim attempted to exit twice but was stopped by Mora Acosta, who allegedly grabbed the door and blocked her path.
The complaint states the altercation stemmed from an ongoing dispute about the couple’s adult daughters. The victim reported that Mora Acosta had recently forced them out of the home, and the argument escalated when she allowed them to return to do laundry.
The victim told officers she wanted to leave the residence during the argument to get away from Mora Acosta but was restrained. She did not report being in pain. Police determined Mora Acosta was the primary aggressor, and he was arrested on the scene. The victim signed a 72-hour no-contact order at that time.
During intake at the Kenosha County Jail, Mora Acosta claimed he was injured in the altercation, telling officers that his wife had struck him with a shoe. He was briefly hospitalized at St. Catherine’s Hospital after complaining of numbness in his arm and other symptoms. A CT scan was performed but returned negative, and he was released back into police custody.
In court Monday, both the prosecutor and defense agreed to a $500 cash bail. The victim appeared at the hearing, describing Mora Acosta as a “wonderful man” and asking that he be granted a signature bond with contact allowed. Court Commissioner William Michel II ultimately permitted non-violent contact between the two, provided they do not discuss the pending case.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 29.
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