KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton fired Officer Lea Colon last Tuesday after her third arrest for operating while intoxicated, a decision that underscores the seriousness of her actions — even though Wisconsin law and prosecutorial failures meant he technically didn’t have to let her go.
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KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District is facing criticism after publicly spotlighting Bradford High School teacher Jennifer Sepanski, a liberal activist who previously campaigned for KUSD’s failed tax referendum and admitted she “shut down” student discussion about former basketball coach Montenia Nelson, who was later fired after repeated student-boundary violations and a police investigation into possible grooming behavior. Earlier this week, KUSD
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District officials are giving students and families a much clearer picture of what daily life will look like once metal detectors are installed at the district’s six high schools. District leaders say the new screening systems are expected to become part of the daily routine at Bradford, Tremper, Indian Trail, LakeView, Harborside/Reuther and Hillcrest. Officials say the
Demetrius D. Ellis, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with multiple prior felony convictions was charged Thursday after prosecutors alleged he repeatedly posed with firearms, including an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband, despite being legally prohibited from possessing any guns. Court Commissioner William
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — After several days of heavy rain across Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes is warning residents that the river is expected to crest at least two feet higher than its current level, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas. Village officials announced Thursday that
Miguel Rojas-Lopez, 62, of Waukegan, Illinois and Vince Portera, 72, of Richmond, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two Illinois men accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of computer components from Arvato Digital Services were charged in Kenosha County court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William
Joseph W. Axtell, 55, of Union Grove(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Union Grove man who deputies say crashed his pickup truck into a tree across from a tavern in the Town of Paris was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Heather Iverson after pleading guilty to third-offense drunken driving,
Demerick D. Wester, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of choking his ex-girlfriend, destroying thousands of dollars in electronics and then returning to her apartment hours later was charged Thursday with multiple domestic violence offenses after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel
KENOSHA, Wis. — I attended the first two days of the homicide trial over the killing of Andrew Pfannkuche and his dog Jake, and I walked out thinking one thing above all else: Judge Jodi Meier is running a kangaroo court in a homicide trial that should be about justice
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District is facing criticism after publicly spotlighting Bradford High School teacher Jennifer Sepanski, a liberal activist who previously campaigned for KUSD’s failed tax referendum and admitted she “shut down” student discussion about former basketball coach Montenia Nelson, who was later fired after repeated student-boundary violations and a police investigation into possible grooming behavior. Earlier this week, KUSD
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District officials are giving students and families a much clearer picture of what daily life will look like once metal detectors are installed at the district’s six high schools. District leaders say the new screening systems are expected to become part of the daily routine at Bradford, Tremper, Indian Trail, LakeView, Harborside/Reuther and Hillcrest. Officials say the
Demetrius D. Ellis, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with multiple prior felony convictions was charged Thursday after prosecutors alleged he repeatedly posed with firearms, including an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband, despite being legally prohibited from possessing any guns. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set Demetrius D. Ellis’s cash bail at $10,000
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — After several days of heavy rain across Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes is warning residents that the river is expected to crest at least two feet higher than its current level, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas. Village officials announced Thursday that free sand and sandbags are available for Salem Lakes residents who may need
Miguel Rojas-Lopez, 62, of Waukegan, Illinois and Vince Portera, 72, of Richmond, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two Illinois men accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of computer components from Arvato Digital Services were charged in Kenosha County court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set each man’s cash bail at $3,000 —
Joseph W. Axtell, 55, of Union Grove(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Union Grove man who deputies say crashed his pickup truck into a tree across from a tavern in the Town of Paris was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Heather Iverson after pleading guilty to third-offense drunken driving, further cementing what many critics see as the Kenosha County judiciary’s preference for
Demerick D. Wester, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of choking his ex-girlfriend, destroying thousands of dollars in electronics and then returning to her apartment hours later was charged Thursday with multiple domestic violence offenses after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $7,500 cash bail — less than the $10,000 requested by
KENOSHA, Wis. — I attended the first two days of the homicide trial over the killing of Andrew Pfannkuche and his dog Jake, and I walked out thinking one thing above all else: Judge Jodi Meier is running a kangaroo court in a homicide trial that should be about justice for Andrew Pfannkuche and Jake, not courtroom politics, petty side fights, and open
Alexander N. Llanas, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of secretly recording a 13-year-old girl inside a Pleasant Prairie Target and then trying to flee from police was charged Wednesday and released on just a $450 cash bail set by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Alexander N. Llanas, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County
Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha, who is accused of a brutal felony domestic abuse spree involving repeated strangulations, beatings, false imprisonment and victim intimidation, is back in jail after Judge Jason Rossell lowered his bail last year and Jackson later skipped court. Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
Kendall Hill, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with a prior heroin delivery conviction is facing nine new criminal charges after investigators say he sold cocaine multiple times over several months, including near a city park and elementary school. Kendall Hill, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of
Lauren N. Schell, 30, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Racine woman accused of causing an injury crash while allegedly intoxicated, fleeing the scene, trying to escape police custody, and spitting on officers was ordered held Wednesday on a $10,000 cash bail — significantly higher than the $6,000 cash bail requested by prosecutors. Lauren N. Schell, 30, of Racine(Kenosha County
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Judge David Hughes (D) and Deveon M.A. Jackson, 20, of Milwaukee(Judge Photo – Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)(Photo of Defendant, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — What is the worst that can happen when a liberal, Evers-appointed judge releases a defendant accused of serious violent felonies on a no-cash bail before the case is over? Kenosha County
Shayla O. Nickerson, 28, of Round Lake Beach, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — An Illinois woman accused of chasing down another vehicle with two young children inside, throwing objects at it, trying to open a passenger door and smashing off a side mirror was given a lower cash bail Wednesday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II — just
Manuel Alonzo Zertuche, 33, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Mount Pleasant man accused of causing a serious rollover crash while allegedly under the influence of drugs was released Tuesday on a $500 cash bail set by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Manuel Alonzo Zertuche, 33, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents will have six opportunities to safely dispose of unused and expired medications during National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced that collection events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations across the county. The events are intended to give residents a safe and free way to
WILMOT, Wis. — Drivers in western Kenosha County should prepare for significant traffic changes beginning this week as a major resurfacing project gets underway on Highway W between the Illinois state line and Highway C in Wilmot. According to Kenosha County officials, a soft closure of Highway W, also known as Fox River Road, will begin Thursday, April 16. A full closure of
KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is warning residents, business owners and property owners to be on alert after fraudulent invoices falsely claiming to come from the city’s Planning Commission began circulating. City officials said the fake invoices appear legitimate and often include official-looking city logos, formatting and references to planning-related work, permits and processing fees that were never authorized or completed.
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Clerk Regi Waligora is warning candidates for local office that a recent change in Wisconsin law could cause some nomination papers to be rejected if they are circulated by people who do not live in the state. The warning comes as the petition-circulating period for fall partisan elections begins Wednesday. Under Act 126, signed into law last month,
KENOSHA, Wis. — Drivers who use Sheridan Road near downtown will face a weeklong closure beginning June 11 as the City of Kenosha replaces embedded streetcar tracks at the intersection of 56th Street and Sheridan Road. The closure is expected to last about seven days and will require the full shutdown of the intersection to through traffic while crews complete the infrastructure work.
KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is asking residents, business owners and community stakeholders to help shape the city’s future by taking part in a new survey tied to its upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan. City officials say the plan will serve as a long-range roadmap for how Kenosha grows and invests over the next 25 years. The survey seeks public input on
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — The Westosha Central High School District Board of Education has selected Paige Sefton to fill the Bristol-area seat left vacant by former board president Steve Richter, who resigned earlier this year after 13 years on the board. Richter stepped down during one of the most controversial periods in recent district history. As board president, he led the district through
KENOSHA, Wis. — Brian Sheffler, Kenosha County’s Register in Probate and Juvenile Clerk, announced this week that he is running for Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court following the decision by longtime Clerk Rebecca Matoska-Mentink not to seek re-election. Sheffler is running as a Democrat and is expected to advance to the Nov. 3, 2026 general election absent a primary challenge. Sheffler, a
KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil surprised some conservatives this week when he endorsed Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner for reelection, despite Zoerner’s history of Democratic politics, soft stances on immigration enforcement, and controversial personnel decisions that have angered many Republican voters. While David Zoerner will be on the ballot for the Republican primary and bears the (R) after his name officially,
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District is facing criticism after publicly spotlighting Bradford High School teacher Jennifer Sepanski, a liberal activist who previously campaigned for KUSD’s failed tax referendum and admitted she “shut down” student discussion about former basketball coach Montenia Nelson, who was later fired after repeated student-boundary violations and a police investigation into possible grooming behavior. Earlier this week, KUSD
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District officials are giving students and families a much clearer picture of what daily life will look like once metal detectors are installed at the district’s six high schools. District leaders say the new screening systems are expected to become part of the daily routine at Bradford, Tremper, Indian Trail, LakeView, Harborside/Reuther and Hillcrest. Officials say the
Demetrius D. Ellis, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with multiple prior felony convictions was charged Thursday after prosecutors alleged he repeatedly posed with firearms, including an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband, despite being legally prohibited from possessing any guns. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set Demetrius D. Ellis’s cash bail at $10,000
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — After several days of heavy rain across Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes is warning residents that the river is expected to crest at least two feet higher than its current level, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas. Village officials announced Thursday that free sand and sandbags are available for Salem Lakes residents who may need
Miguel Rojas-Lopez, 62, of Waukegan, Illinois and Vince Portera, 72, of Richmond, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two Illinois men accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of computer components from Arvato Digital Services were charged in Kenosha County court Thursday, where Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set each man’s cash bail at $3,000 —
Joseph W. Axtell, 55, of Union Grove(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PARIS, Wis. — A Union Grove man who deputies say crashed his pickup truck into a tree across from a tavern in the Town of Paris was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Heather Iverson after pleading guilty to third-offense drunken driving, further cementing what many critics see as the Kenosha County judiciary’s preference for
Demerick D. Wester, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of choking his ex-girlfriend, destroying thousands of dollars in electronics and then returning to her apartment hours later was charged Thursday with multiple domestic violence offenses after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II set a $7,500 cash bail — less than the $10,000 requested by
KENOSHA, Wis. — I attended the first two days of the homicide trial over the killing of Andrew Pfannkuche and his dog Jake, and I walked out thinking one thing above all else: Judge Jodi Meier is running a kangaroo court in a homicide trial that should be about justice for Andrew Pfannkuche and Jake, not courtroom politics, petty side fights, and open
Alexander N. Llanas, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of secretly recording a 13-year-old girl inside a Pleasant Prairie Target and then trying to flee from police was charged Wednesday and released on just a $450 cash bail set by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Alexander N. Llanas, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County
Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha, who is accused of a brutal felony domestic abuse spree involving repeated strangulations, beatings, false imprisonment and victim intimidation, is back in jail after Judge Jason Rossell lowered his bail last year and Jackson later skipped court. Antonio L. Jackson, 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
Kendall Hill, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with a prior heroin delivery conviction is facing nine new criminal charges after investigators say he sold cocaine multiple times over several months, including near a city park and elementary school. Kendall Hill, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of
Lauren N. Schell, 30, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Racine woman accused of causing an injury crash while allegedly intoxicated, fleeing the scene, trying to escape police custody, and spitting on officers was ordered held Wednesday on a $10,000 cash bail — significantly higher than the $6,000 cash bail requested by prosecutors. Lauren N. Schell, 30, of Racine(Kenosha County
Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Judge David Hughes (D) and Deveon M.A. Jackson, 20, of Milwaukee(Judge Photo – Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)(Photo of Defendant, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — What is the worst that can happen when a liberal, Evers-appointed judge releases a defendant accused of serious violent felonies on a no-cash bail before the case is over? Kenosha County
Shayla O. Nickerson, 28, of Round Lake Beach, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — An Illinois woman accused of chasing down another vehicle with two young children inside, throwing objects at it, trying to open a passenger door and smashing off a side mirror was given a lower cash bail Wednesday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II — just
Manuel Alonzo Zertuche, 33, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Mount Pleasant man accused of causing a serious rollover crash while allegedly under the influence of drugs was released Tuesday on a $500 cash bail set by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Manuel Alonzo Zertuche, 33, of Mount Pleasant(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents will have six opportunities to safely dispose of unused and expired medications during National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced that collection events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations across the county. The events are intended to give residents a safe and free way to
52 Responses
Now people can see her true colors. She has quite the sordid history of blaming the men in her life of things they did not do.
She sure does.
I have 2nd owi facing jail time what the hell
Can you imagine how many times she has driven drunk and gotten away with it?
Put her in front of Jerkman, maybe they will be able to “work something out”
What a horrible example!
This lady is legit nuts, trust me. I can’t believe they even hired her as an officer! We all dodged a bullet here.
Crazy ass faked being pregnant
Was the baby daddy hot?
One wasn’t enough?!
I’ll keep checking the page. I presume Niccolai will have her hold my beer moment.
LMAO
This is a both an easy and hard situation. In reverse order:
There are situations where an officer has one OWI and has been hired after achieving demonstrated sobriety or has been retained after being convicted of an OWI after a disciplinary suspension, alcohol assessment, compliance with treatment and restoration of driving privileges. The latter is not common but has been done for critical supervisory officers because a road officer would need unrestricted driving privilege to do their jobs. With that out of the way…
The easy part is that a second offender should be history and a third offender is like…WTF.
It took 3 fucking times to be fired! WTF!
She wasn’t an officer when she received her first two
But they hired her anyway??
She was also fired from Glenview for lying. Big shocker.
Long history of domestic abuse with this one! She likes to then blame the men. Pathological liar and obviously has addiction demons.
Can’t believe Kenosha would hire some with this track record. Should’ve known better and seen the writing on the walls.
They’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Below is what a corrupt legal system looks like
Why did ADA Emily Gaertner take a dive in this case?
All I know is Colon should be currently facing an OWI 3rd and mandatory jail time. Instead she is facing another ticket.
This does not happen people.
“Kenosha County Case Number 2023CT000390 State of Wisconsin vs. Lea M. Colon
06-20-2024 Status conference Milisauskas, Anthony Keel, Kimberly
Additional text:
10:43 AM Defendant Lea M. Colon in court. Attorney John Thomas Bayer in court for Lea M. Colon. Attorney Emily K. Gaertner in court for State of Wisconsin. Court Reporter: Kimberly Keel. Clerk Dana A.
MINUTES:
Victim rights compliance.
Attorney Bayer advises that the Refusal was dismissed.
On State’s motion, this case is dismissed.”
We need more context to understand this because Wisconsin’s OWI law is convoluted. Start here:
First offense OWI is a civil offense.
Second offense within ten years is a crime.
Third and subsequent offenses in the defendant’s lifetime are crimes.
Now, if a defendant’s second offense is more than ten years from the first, then legally it’s a first offense so a person can have two first offenses. But it gets more head spinning.
Originally, an implied consent violation (refusal to take the test after an OWI arrest) was counted as a prior conviction. But the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently limited that due to a United States Supreme Court decision to narrow it to only SOME refusal cases.
And then some out-of-state convictions (most) count as priors. But not all especially if plea bargained down.
Bottom line: ADA Gaertner needs to explain what happened.
Great job Chief also great job to Tifton for being a outstanding officer, it’s not easy to do what you had to do, but it is the right thing to do, . thank you
for honoring Kenosha and taking this person off the streets. This is exactly what kpd and ksd need to do, no officer is above the law and should be held accountable.
An OWI doesn’t make her a bad cop. Maybe she has a drinking problem and needs some help, try that instead of firing her.
yes it does make her a bad cop , how many dui has she giving out and then, you can enforce the law and then break it yourself , you are held to a standard when you have the badge and need to set the example , so yes this does make her a bad cop !
Hearty support for Chief who did the right thing, although not the easy thing. Also, hurray to Tifton for being an outstanding officer. The right thing is often not easy to do. I’m proud of both!
Why did Patton hire her in the first place?
Like most PDs you need to reside within the STATE you support and within 15 miles of your district. WTH is she an ILLINOIS resident? She has no skin in the game??? WTH
Residency requirements are on a department to department basis. So that is not factual. Also, check public records. She wasn’t an Illinois resident.
Oh this is gold. Karma came out real quick on that one. Wonder if her fiancé is ready to bail yet. Won’t be long until she starts beating on him and trying to put false DV charges on him
THIS
If he’s not careful she’ll make him lose his job and pension. She has experience doing this.
SHE SURE DOES!! Honestly her poor ex and his family….
You mean the psycho stalker ex who repeatedly punched her? That ex?
Which one there’s too many to count…
I think you should read the comments above. Looks like she’s known for lying. Mentally unstable. With substance abuse issues. Not sure that anybody should believe any claim that this woman has made or does make in the future.
Nice try, she’s a nut case. No one believes her and rightfully so.
She was never “beat” just like she was never pregnant.
Her bf is a cop too?
A fireman
Her last bf was a cop
“…after a long stint as a Joint Services dispatcher.”
Ahhh, did the previous DA not want to charge her because it would have forced her out as a JS employee? Worse yet, would they have STILL kept her on? They do like people with domestic abuse/mental illness issues on their staff.
Was she dispatching while drunk?
Rumor has it she’s been bragging “I’ll just go back to dispatch” and I wouldn’t doubt if they hire her back.
I mean they are hiring
Yikes, clearly she has prob with decision making, not a good idea
Wowzerrs. Yet here I am thinking I couldn’t pass a background check…Cities finest more corrupt than little ol’ me.
Karma caught up to this one. Known liar and drunk. Should not have held this job. What an embarrassment to herself and family and the department. Heard she injured someone on her last dui. Lock her up and throw away the key
She most definitely got taken to pound town from the guys!
Come work for the DOC they will promote you for getting 3 DUI’s
SHE REALLY BE TRYING TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY
Horrible woman. Have witnessed her aggression and have physically pulled her off one of her exes myself, who then was arrested for assault. She was constantly in fights and threatening others, including me. Her father is an ex cop who has countless times gotten her out of DUI’s by turning officers away after she was called on. Since at least 2009 she has had serious issues with drinking and clearly hasn’t learned a single lesson. Lies, fights and performs to win over sympathy. The pain she caused my family, she deserves to be locked away for good. Whole family has bad reputation. It better not take ANOTHER life for justice to be served.