Judge Kerkman’s Attempt to Intimidate Local Press Backfires

Copied!
Kevin Mathewson – Editor, Kenosha County Eye and Chad Kerkman (D), Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge

KENOSHA, Wis. – Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman is attempting to use his judicial authority to pressure Kenosha County Eye into altering a story critical of him.

On Friday, the very same day KCE published an article about Kerkman’s restrictions on the outlet’s access to intake court photography, the judge emailed the publisher a letter demanding that portions of the article be removed. That letter was notarized almost immediately by former Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Tom Binger — the same liberal prosecutor who failed to convict Kyle Rittenhouse and who now works in Walworth County. Binger is alleged to be rooming with Judge Kerkman. Kerkman is demanding we take down, among other things, his work email address, marital status and campaign finance registration.

A Troubling Pattern

This is the second time a Kenosha judge has tried to stifle free speech on KCE. In September 2024, Judge Heather Iverson quickly reversed a temporary injunction and gag order that had forced KCE to take down an article — declaring that the public’s interest overwhelmingly outweighed any claimed reputational harm.

What the Law Means in Plain Terms

Despite the judge’s demand, the law is clearly on KCE’s side. Everything published was factually accurate and obtained directly from the State of Wisconsin’s official website — making it lawful and protected by the First Amendment.

Legal observers say Kerkman’s attempt to muzzle a news outlet is not only heavy-handed but also shows an alarming lack of familiarity with the very laws judges are sworn to uphold.

T. Clair Binger (D) and Judge Chad Kerkman (D)
Just a Couple of Bros Hanging Out (Both also LGBTQ Activists)

KCE’s publisher also expressed concern that Kerkman’s strangely close friend, T. Clair “Tom” Binger, may be skirting ethical boundaries by advising Kerkman on legal strategy and assisting behind the scenes with his threatened injunction.

Attempting to Silence the Press

Rather than acknowledging that reality, Kerkman is now preparing to ask another judge to issue an order forcing KCE to remove the article. If granted, that would raise serious constitutional concerns over government censorship of the press.

Refusing to Be Intimidated

KCE’s publisher, Kevin Mathewson, said the attempt to silence the outlet will not succeed.

“I will not be bullied into removing truthful information that was lawfully obtained. This is America. Judges don’t get to decide which articles about them are allowed to stay online.”

He continued:

“If I wrote something false, then sue me — like the former crooked cop and disgraced politician Michael Culat tried to do. I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is. Culat had to cut me a large check when his baseless suit collapsed. You bully people in court every day because they can’t fight back. You fine them, which you do regularly. But I’m not afraid to go toe-to-toe in court.”

Many local attorneys told Mathewson that Judge Kerkman — derisively nicknamed “Jerkman” by some in the legal community — is likely bluffing. One attorney put it bluntly:

“He can’t be that ignorant of the law that he would actually hire an attorney and lose in court. If he tried, he’d look like an even bigger fool. This is pure emotion. He’s just trying to use his authority to bully you.”

The Bigger Picture

This dispute goes beyond one article. It raises the question of whether powerful officials can use their positions to intimidate journalists and restrict coverage they dislike. Free speech advocates warn that if such tactics succeed, it sets a dangerous precedent for transparency and accountability in Kenosha County.

Kenosha County Eye has made clear the story will not be taken down.

.

.

.

.

.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Repeat Drug Offender Accused Of 120 MPH I-94 Chase, Cocaine Trafficking; $35,000 Cash Bail Set

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Davion J. Stackhouse, 27, of Antioch, Illinois, is facing six new felonies and two misdemeanors after prosecutors say he fled Kenosha County deputies at more than 120 mph, nearly struck a squad car and was linked to more than 33 grams of cocaine inside a Pleasant Prairie motel room rented by his alleged co-defendant, Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of

Plus +

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Brings Back “The Hammer” To Investigate Lieutenant’s Alleged Misconduct

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Captain Eric Klinkhammer (Ret.)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — That headline sounds cool, right? Well, it’s not necessarily meant to be taken literally. We just thought it made for a catchy headline. But retired Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Klinkhammer has, in fact, been brought back by the Sheriff’s Office as a consultant to

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Illinois Man Charged With Three Felonies After Deputies Say They Found Meth, Fentanyl, Ketamine And More During Somers Traffic Stop

Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois, is facing three felony charges and five misdemeanors after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies say a traffic stop for illegally tinted windows led to the discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, ketamine, kratom,

Categories
Archives
Authors

75 Responses

    1. Kevin should have our support. This jerk judge is violating the 1st Amendment. That is a serious problem. It is a threat to our democracy. Kevin has the courage to fight it.

      It is impossible to deny that Kerkman is doing the exact same thing as President Trump. You can not condemn Kerkman without condemning Trump.

      11
      25
      1. It’s easy to deny it because you are an idiot. It was done to Trump not by Trump, and except for your idiotic comment, this story has nothing to do with Trump.

        38
        5
        1. Kevin pissed off Kerkman by writing a story that Kerkman did not like. Kerkman, the petty lefty tyrant, illegally restricted Kevin’s access in retaliation.

          Explain, logically please, how what Kerkman did is any different from what Trump did.

          You guys should be cheering Kerkman on.

          6
          31
          1. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?

            22
            6
            1. Wow! Your babbling makes no sense. Who cares about “likes” except the dim-witted? I am just pointing out that you people have no critical thinking skills.

              2
              15
          2. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

            20
            4
            1. It is clear that Kevin did not lie. However, neither did the Associated Press when they refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. That pissed off Trump and that is why Trump restricted the AP’s access.

              Now Kerkman is pissed off, so he decided to restrict Kevin’s access.

              No matter how much kool-aid you drink, it is still the same. Both Kerkman and Trump are dangerous government officials doing a dangerous things. You cannot condemn one without condemning the other.

              4
              10
              1. The Associated press did lie by refusing to follow first a Preidential Executive Order and then the name change codified by Congress. In effect, refusing to acknowledge a law and calling it something else is a lie. Brush up on your government.

          3. Trump’s denial of certain press credentials was because of LIES published by certain media outlets.

            The LEFT weaponized social and mainstream media against us:
            1. Lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop
            2. Manipulated online searches during COVID
            3. Supported the arrest of Catholics praying outside abortion clinics
            4. Lied saying “Mostly peaceful protests” in Kenosha during the Summer of 2020
            5. Ignored Ketanji Brown Jackson inability to define the word “woman” during her confirmation hearing
            6. Cheered on Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Fani Willis & others who wrongfully charged & sued Trump

            Point to a single fact that is a lie that Kevin Mathewson published – have not seen it.

            Kevin starts to lie like the LEFT = strip his credentials.

            We need an honest & critical press – it is the bedrock of our Constitution.

            3
            7
      2. You again? Is that you, Kamala voter? Trying to get likes from those misreading your comment while at the same time attacking our President, just so you can tell everyone how you fooled the Republicans on their own page?
        Send my best to your antifa buddies, would ya?

        17
        4
        1. You are correct. It is not about Trump. However, it is impossible for intelligent people to not figure out that Kerkman did the same thing that Trump did.

          4
          13
        2. To the mentally ill TDS afflicted, all local conflicts conflatable to Trump. It’s a waste of time and effort to attempt any civil rational engagement with a mental case that belongs in an asylum. Due to the breakdown of law and order with the low ilk of the Kerkman’s and Zoerner elected to officialdom due to complacent low voter turnout – that one is a Rainbow Kook with crazy eyes and the other, a fake Republican with public pics marching as a Democrat wearing a “vagina hat” are current officialdom is proof of Kenosha’s very poor national reputation. They make Kenosha residents look like a community of morons, imbeciles, and idiots.

          12
          1
        1. Can back the badge without being a Dem.
          You people need some help.

          Trump is awesome. All presidents pull some bullshit.

          Our city officials, school board leaders, and religious leaders in this city are made up of Child Molesters, protectors of child molester and leaders that bend the law and policies in their favor.

          And you guys sit here crying who is left or right with such a fragile ego.

          Why not direct all that incompetent hostility towards someone in this city that deserves it.

          Kevin.
          Keep up the work.

  1. “I would welcome the chance to depose you under oath and expose the corruption you have inflicted not only on me, but on the thousands of litigants who have endured your black-robed reign of chaos. Put your money where your mouth is”.

    Well Chad? Do you have the balls or have you been neutered. . .?

    186
    4
    1. Neutered. In the cabin in Lake Geneva, or was it let’s say before 2012? By the way, someone was asking about our Sargent Hard’s whereabouts, you never know, but perhaps he’s in the cabin with the other two.
      What a Zoo

      28
      1
      1. Putting a man’s penis in another man’s ass is straight up abomination. I don’t like people like you who are part of the destruction of the usa

        74
        3
  2. Unlike judge Rossell, Jerkman is vicious and vindictive. He will retaliate against you and anyone associated with you, even if many of them are counselors. He is even capable of issuing rulings against their clients’ interests. You’d better keep an EYE on him.

    87
    3
  3. Say what you want, stick to the facts. Ones private life is just that, private. It’s deplorable of you to attack someone because of who they choose to be with. Keep in mind, your kids or someone you know could be gay. Stop the hate.

    15
    25
    1. Exactly. This story is newsworthy and deserves to be reported, but no need to go into Kerkman’s personal life. Doing so makes it look like a personal beef and discredits Kevin as a legitimate journalist. It also goes against some of the things Kevin talked about in his story regarding holding friends accountable and the importance of journalistic ethics. Kerkman is definitely in the wrong here, but the inclusion of his personal life details serves no purpose in this story aside from pleasing gossip mongers.

      7
      52
      1. The fact that he allegedly lived with a prosecutor and the prosecutor allegedly is giving him legal advice is relevant here, becuase both would be unethical and against ethical guidelines.

        50
        4
        1. Kevin, I appreciate your response. *******************************************************************************************************

        2. Only problem I could possibly think of is these weasels will use Judicial immunity to escape any or all wrongdoing. They are liberal pieces of corrupt trash. Then again, just look at the town we live in. Where in this local government isn’t there corruption?

  4. You never heard about judges and/or their personal lives before. Because they were well respected. Remember Judge Kluka, Fischer, and Americas judge. They knew their jobs, the law and how to be professional. Compare those judges with Kerkman, Gabrielle ect. There is no comparison.

    30
    1
    1. Of course not. Those were real judges, unlike this improvised poor excuse of them. You’re talking major leagues versus Kerkman and the other one, Gabriele a traitor who left the DA’s team when things started going south back in 2020.

      28
      2
    1. Patience. The social percolation in process indicates likely detonation ahead in 2026-27. The Normal Smartset, including those with LGBTQ offsping corrupted by NEA public education and college academia, are not yet sufficiently angry to activate physically directly to remove the aggressive, degenerate Abnormies plus their entire protectorate officialdom to (fill in the blank) so to restabilize society and community into moral, productive activity and spiritual peace in safety.

      1
      2
  5. So let me understand. Someone stated the Gay Brigade is running our court in town? That’s a comedy in itself or a future story.

    15
    3
  6. In all truth, I filed for a civil case spent over a $100 and was just trying to retrieve some funeral money for a past loved one. The death was committed by a convicted person who was awarded bail bond money in holding, and judge kerman would not even give me the time of day. I put before him all the evidences. He didn’t even wink an.l eye, and it was over in less than 5 minutes. He didn’t want to hear anything I said and just denied it all! I was in disbelief!

    77
    2
  7. The Depraved Mind that Chad Kerkman is afflicted with clouds his judgement, serves no justice to our community, makes him the laughing stock of Kenosha County, and damns his soul.

    11
    1
  8. If someone has to appear in front of him, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a recording device along as long as it is in open court. If he starts screaming or deviating from the procedures a judge is required to follow, bring the recording to the local media first and then to major outlets like Fox News. You see, all this issue stems from him attacking Mr. Solis, which somehow should have been reported to nationwide news as soon as it happened. There has been a lot going on against the new DA since he took office. After 100 years, Democrats can’t still digest his victory. Basically a lot of plotting. Or do you think all these mass resignations are not instigated by people from within, with the approval of individuals such as Kerkman, Gabriele and her minions?

    If a recording is made in open court (where permitted), it should be used responsibly, such as to document misconduct (e.g., a judge deviating from procedure), and shared with media only after considering legal and ethical implications. Local media might be approached first for community impact, followed by larger outlets like Fox News for broader reach, but this should align with local laws and court rules.

    9
    1
      1. When you go to a concert, recording isn’t allowed either. Yet somehow, there’s this little thing called YouTube which is absolutely full of recordings.

      2. So, what do you think the penalties are? A fine, incarceration or being sent to the ‘Cabin of the Rising Sun’ in Lake Geneva with Sargent Hard kindly waiting inside?

  9. You are fighting against two of the three branches. Perhaps you should consider calling the cavalry:

    Contact Fox News Channel
    Phone: (888) 369-4762

    5
    2
  10. …. have to place in a courtroom.

    Kevin will win and once again be allowed to photograph as he sees fit.

    The fact that both Sam and the ex are coming after him is because he is right. No pun intended.

    They say when they are all shooting at you then you know you are over the target.
    Why Sam got involved is beyond me. It’s a loosing battle. She has nothing in this as her children are most definitely aware of all the nuances of their parents lives. She’s not protecting anyone.
    And if she thinks she is then that’s just another reason to look for her replacement.

    Nice try Sam. We all had high hopes for you in your transition in your job choice from state to county.
    The pay increase as Substantial as it is just didn’t seem to be enough for you to realize you were going to be watched and scrutinized so much more.
    The media both social and news are so much different than they were when you were in Madison.

    You’ve lost your compass. And as I see it you are too far lost to get it back.
    Once again, Anyone that feels they are ready for these jobs and understands that it’s the Citizens that they work for not others politicians in the neighboring offices, step up now.
    The iron is hot !!
    We need you !

  11. Start a new page here – Kenosha Judicial Watch. Start logging all these decisions. Get the tip line going so you can report on all these stupid decisions and have enough ammunition to start taking these judges down come election time. Kerkman and Wilk would be a good place to start.

    1
    1

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Repeat Drug Offender Accused Of 120 MPH I-94 Chase, Cocaine Trafficking; $35,000 Cash Bail Set

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Davion J. Stackhouse, 27, of Antioch, Illinois, is facing six new felonies and two misdemeanors after prosecutors say he fled Kenosha County deputies at more than 120 mph, nearly struck a squad car and was linked to more than 33 grams of cocaine inside a Pleasant Prairie motel room rented by his alleged co-defendant, Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of

Plus +

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Brings Back “The Hammer” To Investigate Lieutenant’s Alleged Misconduct

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Captain Eric Klinkhammer (Ret.)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — That headline sounds cool, right? Well, it’s not necessarily meant to be taken literally. We just thought it made for a catchy headline. But retired Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Klinkhammer has, in fact, been brought back by the Sheriff’s Office as a consultant to

Fire Breaks Out In Second-Story Bedroom Of Twin Lakes Home, Multiple Departments Respond

TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Firefighters from across Kenosha County and northern Illinois responded to a Twin Lakes home Friday after a fire broke out in a second-story bedroom closet. Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue was dispatched at about 11:34 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, to the 2100 block of Park Lane after a report of smoke coming from the roof of a garage. Firefighters from Randall,

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Smuggling Crack Cocaine Into Jail, Trying To Swallow Bag; Co-Defendant Also Charged

Kenneth D. Byrd, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenneth D. Byrd, 24, of Kenosha, and Jamauel A. Ford, 27, of Sturtevant, were charged Friday following a Kenosha traffic stop that prosecutors say ended with Byrd smuggling more than six grams of suspected crack cocaine into the Kenosha County Jail and attempting to swallow the bag when it fell from

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged With Three Felonies After Deputies Say They Found Meth, Fentanyl, Ketamine And More During Somers Traffic Stop

Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois, is facing three felony charges and five misdemeanors after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies say a traffic stop for illegally tinted windows led to the discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, ketamine, kratom, prescription pills and drug paraphernalia. Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois(Kenosha County

Another Repeat OWI Convict, Another Work-Release Sentence: Woman With Four OWI Convictions Sentenced As Third-Time Offender

KENOSHA, Wis. — Another repeat OWI conviction, another work-release sentence. In Kenosha County, it might as well be a written policy: The Kenosha County Judiciary doesn’t care about OWIs until your fifth. Drink up and hit the gas. Brigid R. Wiley, 46, of Burlington, was sentenced Friday by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson to 90 days in the Kenosha County Jail

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Choking, Beating Girlfriend During Argument; $3,500 Cash Bail Set

Rashef S. Davis, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Rashef S. Davis, 32, of Kenosha, is facing a felony and two misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say he choked his girlfriend and repeatedly struck her in the head during an argument inside their Kenosha home. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set Davis’s cash bail at $3,500 Friday. Rashef S.

Former Foster Parent, Daybreak Church Elder Charged With Sexually Assaulting Adopted Daughter More Than 260 Times, $500K Bail Set

KENOSHA, Wis. — Dale Robert Nixon, 43, of Kenosha, a former foster parent, adoptive father, five-year Daybreak Church elder and youth volunteer/co-leader, was formally charged Thursday with four felonies after his adopted daughter told Kenosha Police that Nixon sexually assaulted her at least weekly for about five years, beginning when she was just 10 years old. The now-17-year-old estimated there were more than

Plus +

17-Year-Old Kenosha Man Charged In Two Violent Robberies, Including Brutal Beating Of Elderly Man

Micah N. Jackson-Ratcliff, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Micah N. Jackson-Ratcliff, 17, of Kenosha, is facing seven criminal charges in two separate felony cases accusing him of attacking and robbing two men just five days apart, including a 79-year-old man who suffered a brain bleed, broken sinus and severe facial injuries. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set

Plus +

Kenosha Men Charged With Running Drug Trafficking Operation After More Than 1,000 Grams Of Marijuana, Cocaine And Guns Found: Complaint

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Camren J. Herda, 28, and Ryan Douglas Hills, 25, both of Kenosha, are facing multiple felony drug charges after investigators say a months-long investigation into suspicious packages led to a search of their apartment and the discovery of more than 1,000 grams of marijuana, more than 15 grams of

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Ripping Woman’s Hair From Scalp, Refusing To Exit Vehicle Until Deputies Smashed Window

Michkal R. Blackman, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Michkal R. Blackman, 29, of Kenosha, is facing six misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say he battered the mother of his child, ripped two braids and her natural hair from her scalp, took her phone and keys, drove despite having a revoked license and later locked himself inside a vehicle and repeatedly

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Beating Housemate Bloody, Shouting ‘Yeah I Beat The Fuck Out Of Him’

Angel Hernandez, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Angel Hernandez, 27, of Kenosha, is facing a felony substantial battery charge after police say he brutally beat a man he lived with, leaving the man with a deep head laceration, a split ear, a swollen and bleeding eye and other injuries. Hernandez allegedly admitted the attack when police arrested him, shouting,

Kenosha Man Accused Of Stealing 19 Twisted Tea Extremes From Kwik Trip In Eight Separate Thefts

Justin A. Navarro, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 27-year-old Kenosha man is facing eight criminal charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly walked into a Kwik Trip over a period of more than three months and stole Twisted Tea Extreme cans, ultimately making off with 19 cans worth a grand total of $70.11. Justin A. Navarro, 27, of Kenosha,

Daybreak Church Pastor Responds To KCE Report, Confirms Accused Elder Worked With Children And Church Knew Of Arrest Tuesday

KENOSHA, Wis. — Daybreak Church founder and lead pastor Brit Windel issued a lengthy public response Thursday morning to Kenosha County Eye’s reporting about Dale Robert Nixon, 43, disputing KCE’s description of Nixon as a youth pastor and criticizing KCE’s reporting. But Windel’s own statement confirms Nixon was a five-year church elder who worked with children, that church leadership knew of his arrest

Former Foster Parent, Youth Pastor At Daybreak Church Jailed On Child Incest, Repeated Sexual Assault Allegations

EDITOR’S NOTE (Aug. 27, 2026, 9:57 a.m.): This article has been edited since its original publication to clarify certain statements following a public statement issued Thursday morning by Daybreak Church founder and lead pastor Brit Windel. Daybreak did not provide a response directly to KCE before publication and instead addressed KCE’s reporting in a public Facebook post Thursday morning. KENOSHA, Wis. — Dale

KUSD Board Spends $26,000 To Begin Process Toward Yet Another Referendum After Voters Rejected $115 Million Tax Hike

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to spend $26,000 on professional polling as it begins exploring yet another operating referendum after voters rejected the district’s previous $115 million request. Board members Bob Tierney and Sabrina Landry opposed the expenditure, while Board President Carl Bryan, Rebecca Stevens, Todd Price, Robin Cullen and Mary Modder voted to move

KUSD Board Sees Its Shadow: Two More Years Of Weiss Despite Bipartisan Opposition

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School Board voted Tuesday night to give Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss another two years on the job, with an option for a third, despite pointed bipartisan opposition from board members, parents and community members. Weiss has presided over severe financial problems, seven school closures, a failed $115 million referendum and repeated controversies involving sexual misconduct and other alleged

Plus +

Day After Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum Dismissed 25-Year Child-Enticement Felony, Prosecutors Charge Wilmot Volunteer With New Felony Involving Same 13-Year-Old

Austin Carl Scaletta, 19, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Just one day after Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum dismissed a Class D child-enticement felony carrying up to 25 years in prison against Austin Carl Scaletta, 19, of Twin Lakes, prosecutors charged Scaletta Wednesday with a new felony involving the same 13-year-old girl. The new

Plus +

Third Sister Charged 16 Months After Fatal Pleasant Prairie Hit-And-Run; Driver Serving 7½ Years In Prison, Other Sister In Jail

Kayla J. Dodson, 29, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Nearly 16 months after Briona A. Bishop, 35, of Pleasant Prairie, struck and killed 26-year-old Tobi Moeri while he was riding a scooter and fled the scene, prosecutors have charged a third sister in connection with the case. Bishop is now serving 7½ years in prison as part of

Plus +

Woman Charged After Animals Found Living In Feces, Mold And Maggot-Filled Squalor Allegedly Caught With Animals The Very Next Day; “Catch & Release” Kellum Gives Her No-Cash Bail Again

Lauren J. Madsen, 38, of Somers(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Lauren J. Madsen, 38, of Somers, allegedly lasted just one day before violating Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum’s order that she have no contact with animals after being charged in a shocking animal-neglect case involving feces, mold and maggot-filled squalor. Kellum apparently thought no-cash bail and a court order

Plus +

Liberal Judge Gives 4th-Offense Felony Drunk Driver Only 120 Days With Work Release After He Crashed Into Parked Truck

Justin J. Johnson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Justin J. Johnson, 43, of Kenosha, was sentenced to only two months of work release for his felony 4th-offense OWI, underscoring liberal Judge Jodi L. Meier’s (D) tolerance and support of felony repeat drunk drivers. Justin J. Johnson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Judge Jodi Meier (D)File Photo

Plus +

Paddock Lake Man Accused Of Threatening To Shoot Couple, Grabbing Man By Throat During Wild Family Fight; Only $800 Cash Bail

Martin Anacleto Jr., 38, of Paddock Lake(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — Martin Anacleto Jr., 38, of Paddock Lake, is facing misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges, both with domestic abuse modifiers, after prosecutors say a chaotic family argument escalated into Anacleto threatening to shoot his fiancée’s daughter and her boyfriend before grabbing the boyfriend around the throat and squeezing hard

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Terrorizing Girlfriend, Calling Her More Than 30 Times While On Felony Bail; Faces More Than 18 Years Behind Bars, Gets Only $500 Cash Bail

Christopher R. Frederick, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Christopher R. Frederick, 34, of Kenosha, was charged Wednesday with disorderly conduct as a domestic abuse repeater after prosecutors say he screamed profanities at his girlfriend, called her degrading names, slammed things around her home and frightened her enough that she called police. Frederick was already out on felony bail in

Plus +

Racine Man Charged With Two Felonies In 2022 Kenosha Theft, Comic Book Store Burglary

Oscar O. Higginbottom, 54, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Oscar O. Higginbottom, 54, of Racine, was charged Tuesday with two felonies stemming from a pair of thefts in downtown Kenosha nearly four years ago, including the burglary of Inner Child Comics & Collectibles and the theft of more than $6,600 in equipment from a neighboring business. Higginbottom faces one count

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Repeat Drug Offender Accused Of 120 MPH I-94 Chase, Cocaine Trafficking; $35,000 Cash Bail Set

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Davion J. Stackhouse, 27, of Antioch, Illinois, is facing six new felonies and two misdemeanors after prosecutors say he fled Kenosha County deputies at more than 120 mph, nearly struck a squad car and was linked to more than 33 grams of cocaine inside a Pleasant Prairie motel room rented by his alleged co-defendant, Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of

Plus +

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Brings Back “The Hammer” To Investigate Lieutenant’s Alleged Misconduct

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Captain Eric Klinkhammer (Ret.)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — That headline sounds cool, right? Well, it’s not necessarily meant to be taken literally. We just thought it made for a catchy headline. But retired Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Klinkhammer has, in fact, been brought back by the Sheriff’s Office as a consultant to

Fire Breaks Out In Second-Story Bedroom Of Twin Lakes Home, Multiple Departments Respond

TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Firefighters from across Kenosha County and northern Illinois responded to a Twin Lakes home Friday after a fire broke out in a second-story bedroom closet. Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue was dispatched at about 11:34 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, to the 2100 block of Park Lane after a report of smoke coming from the roof of a garage. Firefighters from Randall,

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Smuggling Crack Cocaine Into Jail, Trying To Swallow Bag; Co-Defendant Also Charged

Kenneth D. Byrd, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenneth D. Byrd, 24, of Kenosha, and Jamauel A. Ford, 27, of Sturtevant, were charged Friday following a Kenosha traffic stop that prosecutors say ended with Byrd smuggling more than six grams of suspected crack cocaine into the Kenosha County Jail and attempting to swallow the bag when it fell from

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged With Three Felonies After Deputies Say They Found Meth, Fentanyl, Ketamine And More During Somers Traffic Stop

Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois, is facing three felony charges and five misdemeanors after Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies say a traffic stop for illegally tinted windows led to the discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, ketamine, kratom, prescription pills and drug paraphernalia. Anthony Jonathan Tucci, 34, of Wadsworth, Illinois(Kenosha County

Another Repeat OWI Convict, Another Work-Release Sentence: Woman With Four OWI Convictions Sentenced As Third-Time Offender

KENOSHA, Wis. — Another repeat OWI conviction, another work-release sentence. In Kenosha County, it might as well be a written policy: The Kenosha County Judiciary doesn’t care about OWIs until your fifth. Drink up and hit the gas. Brigid R. Wiley, 46, of Burlington, was sentenced Friday by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson to 90 days in the Kenosha County Jail

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Choking, Beating Girlfriend During Argument; $3,500 Cash Bail Set

Rashef S. Davis, 32, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Rashef S. Davis, 32, of Kenosha, is facing a felony and two misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say he choked his girlfriend and repeatedly struck her in the head during an argument inside their Kenosha home. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set Davis’s cash bail at $3,500 Friday. Rashef S.

Former Foster Parent, Daybreak Church Elder Charged With Sexually Assaulting Adopted Daughter More Than 260 Times, $500K Bail Set

KENOSHA, Wis. — Dale Robert Nixon, 43, of Kenosha, a former foster parent, adoptive father, five-year Daybreak Church elder and youth volunteer/co-leader, was formally charged Thursday with four felonies after his adopted daughter told Kenosha Police that Nixon sexually assaulted her at least weekly for about five years, beginning when she was just 10 years old. The now-17-year-old estimated there were more than

Plus +

17-Year-Old Kenosha Man Charged In Two Violent Robberies, Including Brutal Beating Of Elderly Man

Micah N. Jackson-Ratcliff, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Micah N. Jackson-Ratcliff, 17, of Kenosha, is facing seven criminal charges in two separate felony cases accusing him of attacking and robbing two men just five days apart, including a 79-year-old man who suffered a brain bleed, broken sinus and severe facial injuries. Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set

Plus +

Kenosha Men Charged With Running Drug Trafficking Operation After More Than 1,000 Grams Of Marijuana, Cocaine And Guns Found: Complaint

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Camren J. Herda, 28, and Ryan Douglas Hills, 25, both of Kenosha, are facing multiple felony drug charges after investigators say a months-long investigation into suspicious packages led to a search of their apartment and the discovery of more than 1,000 grams of marijuana, more than 15 grams of

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Ripping Woman’s Hair From Scalp, Refusing To Exit Vehicle Until Deputies Smashed Window

Michkal R. Blackman, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — Michkal R. Blackman, 29, of Kenosha, is facing six misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say he battered the mother of his child, ripped two braids and her natural hair from her scalp, took her phone and keys, drove despite having a revoked license and later locked himself inside a vehicle and repeatedly

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Beating Housemate Bloody, Shouting ‘Yeah I Beat The Fuck Out Of Him’

Angel Hernandez, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Angel Hernandez, 27, of Kenosha, is facing a felony substantial battery charge after police say he brutally beat a man he lived with, leaving the man with a deep head laceration, a split ear, a swollen and bleeding eye and other injuries. Hernandez allegedly admitted the attack when police arrested him, shouting,

Kenosha Man Accused Of Stealing 19 Twisted Tea Extremes From Kwik Trip In Eight Separate Thefts

Justin A. Navarro, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 27-year-old Kenosha man is facing eight criminal charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly walked into a Kwik Trip over a period of more than three months and stole Twisted Tea Extreme cans, ultimately making off with 19 cans worth a grand total of $70.11. Justin A. Navarro, 27, of Kenosha,

Daybreak Church Pastor Responds To KCE Report, Confirms Accused Elder Worked With Children And Church Knew Of Arrest Tuesday

KENOSHA, Wis. — Daybreak Church founder and lead pastor Brit Windel issued a lengthy public response Thursday morning to Kenosha County Eye’s reporting about Dale Robert Nixon, 43, disputing KCE’s description of Nixon as a youth pastor and criticizing KCE’s reporting. But Windel’s own statement confirms Nixon was a five-year church elder who worked with children, that church leadership knew of his arrest

Former Foster Parent, Youth Pastor At Daybreak Church Jailed On Child Incest, Repeated Sexual Assault Allegations

EDITOR’S NOTE (Aug. 27, 2026, 9:57 a.m.): This article has been edited since its original publication to clarify certain statements following a public statement issued Thursday morning by Daybreak Church founder and lead pastor Brit Windel. Daybreak did not provide a response directly to KCE before publication and instead addressed KCE’s reporting in a public Facebook post Thursday morning. KENOSHA, Wis. — Dale

KUSD Board Spends $26,000 To Begin Process Toward Yet Another Referendum After Voters Rejected $115 Million Tax Hike

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to spend $26,000 on professional polling as it begins exploring yet another operating referendum after voters rejected the district’s previous $115 million request. Board members Bob Tierney and Sabrina Landry opposed the expenditure, while Board President Carl Bryan, Rebecca Stevens, Todd Price, Robin Cullen and Mary Modder voted to move

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.