(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County EYe)
KENOSHA, Wis. — In the wake of the killing of Makayla Rutka Plaza, Kenosha County court officials have quietly removed Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II from handling restraining order cases, a significant shift in courtroom duties that follows mounting scrutiny of his decisions.
Kenosha County Eye previously reported that on the Monday following Plaza’s death — a day when restraining orders are typically heard — Michel was present in the courthouse but was not taking cases. Instead, judges stepped in to preside over restraining order hearings.
Now, Kenosha County Eye has confirmed that the change is permanent, at least for the time being. Michel will no longer handle restraining orders, and those cases will instead be assigned to Family Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers and Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse, according to court records.
The move comes after intense attention on Michel’s handling of Plaza’s restraining order request weeks before her death. Court transcripts previously obtained by Kenosha County Eye show Plaza pleaded for protection, but her request was denied.
Kenosha County Eye reached out to multiple judges for comment on the decision to reassign restraining order duties, including whether the change was made through a formal vote. None responded. There is a chance that Judge Chad Kerkman made this decision unilaterally. He assumed leadership, authority and dominance over the other 7 Judges and most of them allow it. State statute makes it clear that the other 7 judges don’t report to Kerkman, his honorary title of “Deputy Chief Judge” gives him no more authority that other, duly-elected judges.
However, sources familiar with the decision told Kenosha County Eye that judges no longer have confidence in Michel’s judgment when it comes to restraining orders following Plaza’s death. Those sources also indicated that broader concerns have been raised about Michel’s recent performance on the bench.
Kenosha County Eye is further told that Michel’s position as court commissioner may be in jeopardy as scrutiny continues over what sources describe as a pattern of mistakes in recent cases.
Kenosha County Eye will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
7 Responses
Deputy Chief Judge is not an honorary title but essentially is a liaison to the chief judge in Racine.
Good move.
This guy was just trying to do his job to the best of his ability, give him another chance
His ability isn’t good enough. He could sweep floors .
Finally they did something about this incompetent man! How many more people (women) in this city are going to die because of his low bond/ bail failures?!
This is not about giving someone a second chance. We can’t give the victim a second chance because her restraining order was denied. The ones to blame are the judges, not this poor, incompetent looser who was given the responsibility to handle tasks that go beyond the scope of what he can handle. Shame on our judiciary, especially those who voted for his nomination. They wanted a yes-man, and they got someone who was unfit for the role.
He was a very mediocre attorney before getting the commissioner job. If he had some backbone, he would resign; however, who would want this guy’s representation through the SPD? No one will bring that woman back to life, and our judges are responsible for it. Shame on you and your bright ideas, such as giving this guy the job.