You may have heard of Sharmain S. Harris from our local liberal newspaper in its fluff piece from earlier this year. Before that, they named Harris to their 20 under 40 program. No matter where you read or hear about Harris, the narrative seems to be the same: Drug dealer turns life around after prison sentence. This is misleading. Yes, in 2009 Mr. Harris was accused, and later convicted of, selling crack. (Documents below)
This is what you have not heard about: He was not sentenced to prison for the crack-selling. Judge Mary K. Wagner went easy on Harris, giving him 4 years of probation for the two felony convictions. He wasn’t sentenced to prison until his probation was revoked. His probation was revoked in November of 2011. Wait. Let’s back up. Four months after he was caught selling crack, he was charged with 6 felonies and 2 misdemeanors for a gang-land assault in the 4600 block of 36th Ave. According to the criminal complaint (see below) and a source, on May 17, 2009, Harris was accused of beating a man with a baseball bat. He then threw a brick through the window of a house hitting a woman and nearly missing a child. Harris was with about 30 other people, all alleged to be members of the same street gang. Believe it or not, Wagner gave him only 2 more years of probation on top of the 4 already imposed. No jail.
In 2011, Harris was charged for yet another incident of violence. He was charged with 1 felony and 3 misdemeanors. According to the criminal complaint (see below), Harris kicked in the door to his ex-girlfriend’s home and entered it without permission. The victim told police he was upset looking for drugs and money. When Harris realized she was on the phone with 9-1-1, he strangled her and dragged her around the home by her throat and hair. He then took the phone from her. He then took her wallet and left the home. This case revoked his probation and sent him to prison. He was given an over-generous plea deal again.
Governor Walker didn’t entertain a pardon from Harris, but that changed when Evers was elected. Earlier this year, Harris applied to Governor Evers for a pardon. DA Mike Graveley and Judge Mary Wagner, both Democrats, are supporting this pardon.
We at the Kenosha County Eye believe in redemption. This is the thing though; there are people in Kenosha more deserving of Pardons. Pardons shouldn’t be used on violent, repeat criminals.
Click here to download all pdf’s.
14 Responses
You listed the judge’s first name as “Mark” instead of “Mary.”
Thank you! Fixed!
So your logic is he should not get a pardon because there are others more desrving? Are there a limited amount of pardons?
Also which is it do you believe in redemption or do you not, there is no, BUT.
Lastly who are you to say what amount of time in prison and punishment for crimes is sufficient, so your problem sounds like its with the judges rulings. And the fact that you failed to mention the service and the hard work and motivation Shermain has shown in turing his life around, shows your motives and intentions, and frankly your biased.
So where does this show that he hasn’t become an upstanding citizen that has done amazing work with and for the community? You highlight his past wrongs, which are public record and have never been disputed but as far as I can see he has overcome a past that most could not and has not only risen from that place but also found the strength to help others as he navigated his way through. Truly inspiring and not something to be demonized.
I am PROUD to know Sharmain and have seen the amazing and uplifting work he’a done in our community.
He is not a victim of decisions he’s made in his past – he’s overcome those decisions and continues to be a VICTOR for himself and our community – From being incarcerated, to putting himself thorough school to achieve a bachelors degree, and now in progress on his way to a MBA.
His Fatherhood project has made Kenosha families stronger and the impacts of work have garnered nationwide attention.
Through his mentorship and resources he provides, fathers have gained education and employment to help provide for their families, and spend quality time with their children helping with home/school routines, their wives/girlfriend/children’s’ mothers.
His work and his relevance is needed in our community. I support his pardon 1000%
The “author” and this hit piece is part of the problem. Sharmain is part of the solution.
Kevin Mathewson, who encouraged violence in Kenosha summer of 2020 is gonna lecture others about their sins?? Please, stfu! Kevin Mathewson trying to still represent Kenosha when he was voted OUT and fired from that very representative role. All you are is Kenoshas most useless troll. He turned his life around for the better. Maybe you should try it! He deserves that pardon and he’ll get it despite you! Shut your useless ass up!
First I must correct you . I was not fired or voted out of office. I moved out of my district so I had to resign according to the State statue. Usually I don’t engage with people who don’t know simple facts but I will make an exception in this case because you are severely naive. Unlike your violent, career criminal friend, I have never been charged or convicted with any crime in my 38 years living on this planet. I did not encourage violence, but encouraged self defense against the thugs that were rioting and destroying our beautiful city. You may have supported the riots, but I wasn’t willing to stand idly by. Have a great night and thank you for your comment.