(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. – The Kerkman Chronicles continues — and this chapter might be the most disturbing yet. On the morning of Friday, October 10, Judge Chad Kerkman entered Intake Court and, behind closed doors, launched into a loud, angry tirade at Attorney Michael “Mike” Masnica, a respected guardian ad litem and supplemental court commissioner.
Witnesses tell Kenosha County Eye that Kerkman entered the courtroom around 9:39 a.m., abruptly pulled Masnica into the adjoining court commissioner’s office (normally occupied by Commissioner William Michel II) and proceeded to berate him for nearly fifteen minutes. People in the courtroom could clearly hear the judge’s raised voice and demeaning tone. The outburst created visible tension and left several court staff shaken.
One well-liked and long-serving court clerk was reportedly so upset that she left for the day — and has not returned to work since. Masnica, widely known in Kenosha’s legal community for his professionalism and kindness, was said to remain calm and measured throughout.
Masnica is not a full-time county employee; he fills in for Michel when needed, receiving only a small stipend for his service. The reason for Kerkman’s outburst remains unknown. “He’s one of the most respectful, level-headed lawyers we’ve got,” one attorney said. “Nobody understands why Kerkman exploded on him like that.”
Security Risks and Retaliation
Sources inside the courthouse say Kerkman has also made questionable administrative decisions that may have put courthouse safety at risk. Intake Court — already the county’s least secure courtroom — has no metal detectors or security checkpoint at its entrance. The above video shows how quickly and easily Kerkman entered the “well” of the courtroom. While armed deputies are stationed inside, there’s nothing preventing someone from walking in with a weapon.
Adding to the concern, Kerkman reportedly revoked the District Attorney’s Office’s key-card access to a secure employee entrance, forcing District Attorney Xavier Solis, his prosecutors, and even defense attorneys to use the same public entrance as defendants and their families. This ends a decades-old security measure put in place to keep everyone safe.
Several courthouse employees told KCE they view the move as politically motivated retaliation against Solis. Kerkman openly supported Solis’s opponent in the 2024 election and has since taken a series of punitive actions against the DA’s office.
“This is putting prosecutors and public defenders in real danger,” one courthouse insider said. “They’re walking in with defendants and their families — sometimes people they just charged. It’s crazy.”
Long-Standing Allegations Surface
Kenosha County Eye has also confirmed through multiple independent sources that Judge Kerkman had a sexual relationship with a courthouse staffer several years ago. While the relationship reportedly occurred long before recent controversies, it raises ethical questions due to his supervisory role over court personnel. KCE isn’t naming the staffer, revealing his/her gender, or position.
For years, courthouse insiders say, the matter was whispered about but never publicly addressed. Now, amid growing scrutiny over his conduct, the story has resurfaced. “People are talking about it again because it fits the pattern,” said one source. “It’s about abuse of power.”
Even when such relationships are not strictly prohibited, they can raise concerns about hostile work environments due to the “the stark power differential.”
The Media Ban Flip-Flop
In another stunning reversal, Kerkman recently lifted his blanket ban on all media photographing or recording in Intake Court — but kept the restriction solely on Kenosha County Eye.
The all-media ban, imposed shortly after KCE filed a federal lawsuit against him, was widely viewed as a legal tactic to make it appear he wasn’t targeting one outlet specifically. But after WTMJ-TV (NBC 4) and its corporate attorneys objected, Kerkman relented for everyone except KCE.
“This proves what I’ve been saying all along,” said Kevin Mathewson, editor of Kenosha County Eye. “It’s not about courtroom decorum or fairness — it’s about silencing me. Kerkman is a bully judge who thinks he can control the narrative by punishing journalists. He’s spiraling.”
Eroding Confidence in the Judiciary
Attorneys and court staff describe an atmosphere of “fear and frustration” surrounding Kerkman’s chambers. “This is no longer about politics — it’s about temperament,” said one courthouse employee. “He’s losing control, and everyone knows it.”
Video obtained by KCE shows Kerkman entering Intake Court that morning, marching into the commissioner’s office, and moments later, a visibly upset clerk leaving the area.
Kerkman, as usual, declined to comment.
Background and Retaliation Pattern
The pattern of conduct aligns with what Kenosha County Eye has previously exposed — including Kerkman’s blanket bans on media, retaliatory treatment of the DA’s office, and attacks on transparency following critical reporting.
His media restrictions began shortly after KCE published an article revealing that Kerkman’s bailiff was charged with felony identity theft — a story that drew widespread attention and criticism of the judge’s supervision.
Since then, KCE has filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Kerkman, Commissioner William Michel II, and Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg, alleging retaliation and violations of the First Amendment. The case, Mathewson v. Kerkman et al., is pending before Judge J. P. Stadtmueller in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
What Comes Next
“This is the most chaotic period in Kenosha’s courthouse in decades,” Mathewson said. “Judges yelling at attorneys, security being compromised, and open retaliation against the press. These are not the actions of a stable judiciary. But we’re not backing down.”
Kenosha County Eye will continue investigating Judge Kerkman’s conduct and the public officials enabling it.
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92 Responses
Chad, thus isn’t ‘at home, behind closed doors’. This is out in the open and u hurt yourself, your kids and your xwife by being an idiot.you look like a candidate for the small man club. Like a little yappy dog. You are gonna lise this and sadly the kids will pay. Sam can brag under her ‘SAM’ moniker and that she us an x, but the kids are stuck. Very sad that you did this all by yourself.
need to play Taylor Swift music in his courtroom …. “You Need To Calm Down” ..
… to set security standards at this or any other building ??
As a County Employee I would think District Attorney Xavier Solis can request and receive most any security measures he deems appropriate for himself and his staff !!!
Where is County Executive Samantha Kerkman on this issue ?? If anyone can set policy it would be from that office !
This rogue judge doesn’t own these doors or anything much less the decisions of the workings of the building he works in. At least beyond his own self ?
This sounds completely beyond his limits of authority and powers.
Am I wrong ?
He doesn’t. The judges vote on local rules. Need 5 judges to change a rule. He is doing it because he thinks he’s the boss. He’s not.
Samanthawill just say “oh, it’s a conflict of interest” and do nothing. RINO!
Then step down.
While the County Executive has Authority because the County owns the building it is my thinking that the Sheriffs Department has Jurisdiction over the security of the building because of that exact “ownership”.
These responsibilities don’t overlap in a “who’s who in power” scenario. Other than the Judge’s that work in the building can “request” security enhancements I doubt they can do much more.
There are many YouTube videos showing police and sheriff deputies being challenged by 1st amendment auditors in following the United States Constitution versus laws that those local communities or judges put in place restricting access to buildings and other property when they don’t have the authority to do so. These police are afraid to follow their oath to the constitution to protect citizens from rogue authority figures in the judicial system that they are a part of.
Many times it is just a lack of knowledge that confuses them on what they should do.
In this case the Sheriff should step up and reassert his control over the security of this building and restore the card access to the District Attorney and his department.
He should also protect every person, employee and visitor, to this building from these kind of outbursts and attacks on anyone !!
Threats are against the law !
Verbal or otherwise.
Sheriff Zoerner, are you listening ?
If you’re a county employee, then you know how utterly useless County Exec Kerkman truly is, unless there’s a camera around.
She’s running things into the ground.
Chad Kerkman is no different, in the courthouse.
The only thing she’s good for, to the employees, is jacking up insurance and hiring useless directors and division heads at the top of the scale, and then bending the employees over and making them take it in the a**.
Well now really Kerman vs Kerman, don’t you find that a contradiction?
What’s drivin’ this cat?
certainly not a vigina!
A quote from the article: “It’s not about courtroom decorum or fairness — it’s about silencing me. Kerkman is a bully judge who thinks he can control the narrative by punishing journalists. He’s spiraling.”
Kevin is accurately describing Kerkman. He is also describing the same temperament and tactics of President Trump and his administration in his dealings with the press.
Could explain why it is OK for Trump to act like a spoiled toddler, but not this judge?
well i agreed with you until you chastized the President Of the USA, and then you lost most of us. President Trump is a breath of fresh air and Kerkman is an ass
I feel bad that you are incapable of understanding the inconsistency of your beliefs. Absolute worship of any man allows that man to become an abusive tyrant.
I challenge you to actually explain how and why Trump’s actions are any different than Kerkman’s.
Although I do not agree with everything Trump may or may not be doing,( I did vote for him), I believe, if someone continues to twist the truth about someone, I do not think it is unfair to no longer give them that opportunity.
I do not believe that Kevin’s articles about Kerkman are untrue.
Trump cut off the Associated Press access to the White House because they refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
He also denied media access to the Pentagon unless these outlets, including Fox News, reported what the department of defense wanted them to report.
How is this ok?
Good grief you are a mental midget if you don’t think the president is trying to turn this country into a Russia junior!!
What a f head!
Lmao TDS is strong with you 🤣
I heard this on the radio… I think it puts a better label on TDS. He called it TDA. Trump derangement addiction. They are addicted to it and just cant give it up.
You’re provoking too much. Go smoke another doobie and keep reading your Antifa literature. Change Joe’s diapers, they’re overdue. Always coming from the same IP; you’re so careless.
The only thing you people can do is to call names. None of you have even tried to explain how and why Trump’s tyrannical actions regarding the media are any different than Kerkman’s.
This article is not about trump you moron!!!! Wait….is this rhe heywood hater? Sounds like your mentality, or lack there of.😊
None if you people even try to explain why or how Trump’s tyrannical actions towards the media are any different that Kerkman’s actions.
It must be difficult for all of you to have to live with this glaring inconsistency in your thought process.
No one even knows what you’re referring to. Please, tell us why you think it’s similar and we’ll try to talk you off the ledge with facts and logic. (As we usually do with the libs)
Jerkman needs an old fashioned ass-whooping, not the new kind of ass-whopping he is used to getting from Bingo!
He was never spanked or corrected as a child…. It’s a pattern in the Twin Lakes area.
Homosexuals are very oversensitive people prone to unprofessional explosions that demean their profesions and personhoods. It’s why they are unfit from public and financial leadership positions. However, they make perfect Hollywood and Entertainment industry executives.
I think you’re referring to uncontrolled flamboyance, which can certainly be a crux, but so can self-perceived female inferiority, small man syndrome in short hetero white men, inability to control emotions within lesser-educated people, etc. Many people, seemingly more in recent years, have demonstrated unprofessional explosions across the board. “Prone” might also be a bit too encompassing of the homo population. Susceptible, possibly, but most people are susceptible to some type of emotional influence, just depends on what pushes their buttons. I’m sure we’ve all had some testing instances that we all remember at one point in our careers. Controlling them and maintaining professionalism just comes down to the individual. Some can and some can’t. While I can’t refute your opinion, I suppose I’m just stating I don’t quite agree with it. I’ve come to know several homosexuals that have become well-respected in leadership roles within our own community. Perhaps you should surround yourself with more accomplished homos ;). Not a fan of Kerkman, but I did want to offer this rebuttal.
Calm down AI, I agree that homos (and women) freak out about everything and don’t belong in certain careers.
I’m so sick of hearing about this jackass….does he serve any real purpose in this life other than being Jerkman ….enough
So it’s ok for the Taco President to retaliate, but not anyone else? Quit crying you maga maggots.
Yes! The MAGA cult members on this page lack the capacity to see and understand what is obvious.
Yawn. Your trolls bore us.
Poor baby, you sound like you need a crying towel
The only thing you people can do is to call names. None of you have even tried to explain how and why Trump’s tyrannical actions regarding the media are any different than Kerkman’s.
We can NOT “explain how and why Trump’s ‘tyrannical actions’ regarding the media…”
BECAUSE THEY DON’T EXIST. You can NOT prove something that is fiction…
Keep drinking the MAGA Kool-Aid. It gives your ignorance. That provides comfort and blinds you from understanding the truth.
lol I see you’re back from the “no kings” rally. Did you find the king? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Look , you can’t spell Rizzo. You fucktard.
He is under the influence of liberal literature. Stronzo = Turd in italian
I remember reading about Masnica. A quick search shows he has been reprimanded for misconduct.
Masnica and Michel are 3rd tier attorneys would NOT hire either of them.
Kenosha is filled with basic judges, commissioners, guardian ad litems and attorneys. It is very difficult to find excellent ones. I think Wisconsin should change the law and require all of them to take and pass the bar exams. It may fix the issue.
Kerkboy is the apparent receiver in his Broke Back Mountain Sodomite Life, who is unable to break the demonic chains that bind him in his unnatural subordinate lust, and then responds to his personal self inflicted drama by abusing those around him on the job just because he can.
Kinda like coming home and kicking the dog.
Kerkman a sodomite? Ahhhh now I see why he appears to favor men over women in some cases
Cuckman needs to be voted out.
Your perception of Trump acting as a spoiled toddler is proof that it was psychologically arrested during its development resulting in a present case of TDS retardation.
Trump has proven full self control and rational cognitive capacity – tested with a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which all other candidates refused to take.
By contrast, Kerkman is a micro-hair triggered homosexual pantload without the self-control required of his public position or the rational faculties required of his profession. Kerkman’s asinine behavior reflects reflects very poorly on all of Kenosha, already national and global image compromised because of the incompetent Democrat leadership during the summer 2020 riots.
Yea. That Kool-Aid is very refreshing. . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1FxfR3lg6Q
Also, I should have said that your assessment of Kerkman’s behavior is spot on. If you were not part of the Trump cult, you would have the ability to see. that Trump and Kerkman are behaving the same. Sucks to be you.
missing your lollipop?
Another example of a member of the Trump cult simply engaging in name calling because it is impossible to explain why Trump’s tyrannical actions related to the media are any different than Kerkman’s.
Nope, it’s great to see clearly with fine, full color spectrum vision. I too passed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment with a perfect score as did Trump, plus scored a 39/50 on a proctored NFL Wonderlic Test.
Not part of Trump cult, though I recognize his superior mental decisioning fitness to the degenerated Times. You and your TDS Tribe’s behavior proves you are all perspectively at minimum – and/or outright in full – mentally retarded, fully entrapped into a headcase echo chamber screaming: “Democrat Good/Trump Bad” – driving some of your Tribe, possibly you too, criminally insane. Hopefully, Trump triggers the Insurrection Act so to steam clean the TDS vermin off American streets and into mental institutions and prisons staffed with ice-blooded Dr and Nurse Ratcheds that will ensure effective TDS intervention and de-activation via mass lobotomies converting your vicious hatred into sweet love.
Wow! A self proclaimed smart guy advocating genocide. That is the ultimate goal of the Cult.
No genocide was advocated. You clearly have defective reading skill and limited cognitive bandwidth.Was your elementary school education at Jane Vernon, or a latter version for the “developmentally challenged” per chance?
Please tell me how this passage is not advocating genocide:
“Hopefully, Trump triggers the Insurrection Act so to steam clean the TDS vermin off American streets and into mental institutions and prisons staffed with ice-blooded Dr and Nurse Ratcheds that will ensure effective TDS intervention and de-activation via mass lobotomies converting your vicious hatred into sweet love.”
🤣🤣🤣
That was the whole point!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
RACINE GOING NEXT. I GOT THEIR SHIT IN THE OVEN. PROMISE!!
Maybe Kerkman could direct his energy to the morally corrupt Alex Smathers. By law, a temporary order hearing in a divorce has to be heard in 30 days. She has fallen so far behind that people have to wait over 90 days to get their court date. 🙄 And she wants to be a judge when she can’t even handle a simple commissioner role? Ask Becky for the time frames of these hearings before and after they appointed her. Have we all forgotten she had ZERO experience? Kenosha children and family deserve better.
Why does Kerkman give Smathers special treatment?
Why do the other judges allow the special treatment? Oh, that’s right. It’s the morally bankrupt Angie, Jodie and Heather sh$t show and Smathers is their protégé. She is definitely following in their footsteps – Heather couldn’t handle her family court calendar either. 🤮
Heather is the worst. People are regretting their choice with that one.
When the exodus of the traitors occurred, Smathers couldn’t move due to family reasons. She apologized to Carli for not joining and sought help from Gabriele. Angelina promised her the position, and she kept her word. There were more qualified candidates, such as Attorney Evans, among others; however, they and their impressive resumes were ignored. Angelina proudly sent messages to various individuals, boasting about her power and how she had earned the loyalty of a new minion.
It’s all about personality and politics. Ask some of the former commissioners (and there were some good ones).
Yep, I am truly surprised that someone has not kicked His “small penis syndrome” ass!
When is enough, enough with this guy, he is toxic and corrupt, get him out of there, off the bench and at the unemployment line.
I agree, Kevin.What is proper protocol to report someone who works for the government? I’m assuming he is a county employee. Or is he state?
Email his boss in the judicial Commission and ask them to lunch and investigation into his erratic illegal behavior.
wynne.Laufenberg@wicourts.gov
Judcmm@wicourts.gov
If I’m not mistaken, this is the same individual who supports banning the EYE, so it would be good to know who is in an office above her as well. Of course, the one above would be Madison, and there’s someone even worse there named worst Ever(s). Call Fox News
Done!
Mr. Masnica was reprimanded 30 years ago for not communicating with appellate clients that he felt their cases had no merit. He is no longer a young lawyer and is well respected as a straight shooter. If you’re a prosecutor, Mr. Masnica is a difficult attorney to joust with in court because he is a nice guy, not bombastic or loose with the truth.
I remember hearing about something recent.
negative. but hey, a lil research never never hurt.
facts.
What can be done legally to get Kerkman off the bench? Surely there has to be some way to get rid of a bully judge
Run and win
This is not new. Just not fully understood.
The only way to stop this behavior is to run competent alternatives.
Now is the time in history to further the correction of societal norms.
Running for judge is a very important part of that.
Is that you ?
Unlikely outcome. Kenosha has too many emo low-IQ voters today. Not so in the past. Consequently, Kenosha is a much more dangerous place.
Email his boss in the judicial Commission and ask them to lunch and investigation into his erratic illegal behavior.
wynne.Laufenberg@wicourts.gov
Judcmm@wicourts.gov
Will do!! Thank you
WOW The King
Yes, both Kerkman AND TRUMP are acting like Kings. Logically, one must either condemn or support both since they are both acting as if they were Kings.
You again? Fucking libs
Yeah she cant let it go! She does not understand that this article is not about Trump. It’s the only way she can vent. I think its the Heywood hater. It’s just a guess But is the same mentality
What makes you think she’s a she?
Another example of a member of the Trump cult simply engaging in name calling because it is impossible to explain why Trump’s tyrannical actions related to the media are any different than Kerkman’s.
Someone needs a hug 🤣
Oh I can clearly tell you are a woman! And you must just keep cut , copying and pasting because you say the same thing over and over and over blah, blah, blah, blah. Your truly showing your lack of intelligence.
Because she works for the county and is using the issued laptop while typing this.
Trump is King. We must all honor him or pay the ultimate price.
Have you seen the video of him soaring over the liberal crowd? The first head that gets dumped on is yours. Oh, yeah
Have you seen the video of him soaring over the liberal crowd? The first head that gets dumped on is yours. Oh, yeah