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90-Day Deadline Passes In McGrath John Doe; DA Solis Requests More Time To Review Outside Investigation

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on June 18, 2026, at 11:05 p.m. KENOSHA, Wis. — More than 90 days after Chief Judge Wynne P. Laufenberg ordered the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office to review a John Doe petition involving former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank McGrath, no criminal charges have been filed and prosecutors are seeking additional time while awaiting information from an outside law enforcement agency. The John Doe petition, filed by Kenosha County Eye editor Kevin Mathewson, alleged that McGrath improperly used restricted law enforcement databases and tracking systems to monitor a female co-worker during a personal relationship dispute. The petition included Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs records and investigative findings concerning McGrath’s conduct. On March 11, Chief Judge Laufenberg referred the matter to District Attorney

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$25,000 Cash Bail Ordered for Man Accused of Threatening Kenosha Officer, Breaking Window and Barking at Hotel Guests

William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man accused of threatening to kill a Kenosha police officer, damaging a local business, and harassing families at a Pleasant Prairie hotel was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond Thursday after his attorney raised concerns about his competency to proceed in court. William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Introduces Bills Targeting Congressional Betting and Expanding Voter ID Requirements

KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has introduced two new bills in Congress that he says are designed to restore public confidence in government and elections. One measure would prohibit lawmakers from wagering on political outcomes and government actions, while the other would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for federal elections. The first proposal, known as the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act, would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from participating in prediction markets involving government policies, government actions, or political outcomes. Prediction markets allow participants to place wagers on the likelihood of future events, including elections and policy decisions. “The American people deserve to know their Member of Congress is not profiting off insider information,” Steil said. “The Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act ensures that

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As Flynns Ask Wisconsin Supreme Court to Hear Raffle Case, Emails Show Brewers VP Tyler Barnes Urged TV Station Not to Air Story

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — After Kenosha County Eye became the first news outlet to report on Matt and Annette Flynn’s dispute with the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation over a $12,849 50/50 raffle prize, the story spread to Milwaukee television stations and other media outlets. Now, as the Kenosha couple asks the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review their case, newly disclosed emails reveal that Tyler Barnes, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Senior Vice President of Communications and Affiliate Operations, privately urged a television station not to air a story about the controversy. Barnes made the request on May 20, 2025, after CBS58 contacted the Brewers for comment regarding the Flynn lawsuit. According to emails disclosed during litigation, Barnes wrote that the Flynns “continue to beat the media drum despite the evidence firmly backing our

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$25,000 Cash Bail Ordered for Man Accused of Threatening Kenosha Officer, Breaking Window and Barking at Hotel Guests

William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man accused of threatening to kill a Kenosha police officer, damaging a local business, and harassing families at a Pleasant Prairie hotel was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond Thursday after his attorney raised concerns about his competency to proceed in court. William J. Kelly III, 60, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Introduces Bills Targeting Congressional Betting and Expanding Voter ID Requirements

KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has introduced two new bills in Congress that he says are designed to restore public confidence in government and elections. One measure would prohibit lawmakers from wagering on political outcomes and government actions, while the other would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for federal elections. The first proposal, known as the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act, would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from participating in prediction markets involving government policies, government actions, or political outcomes. Prediction markets allow participants to place wagers on the likelihood of future events, including elections and policy decisions. “The American people deserve to know their Member of Congress is not profiting off insider information,” Steil said. “The Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act ensures that

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DA Sought $5,000; Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun Sets $2,500 Cash Bail for Racine Man Accused of Breaking Woman’s Facial Bone

Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun on Thursday set a $2,500 cash bond for a Racine man accused of severely beating a woman during a December incident that allegedly left her with a fractured facial bone. Travion Omari Harris, 21, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Alleged Cocaine Dealer Admits Selling Drugs to Support Habit, Prosecutors Say

Michael J. Leahy, 44, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of operating a cocaine distribution business from his home and selling drugs near a public park was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bail Thursday after prosecutors sought $25,000. Defense attorney Hunter Fite asked for a $400 cash bail. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun ultimately set bail at $10,000 cash. Michael J. Leahy, 44, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Prosecutors Sought $5,000; Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun Sets $1,500 Cash Bail for Teen Accused of Tossing Loaded Revolver

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 15-year-old Kenosha boy charged as an adult is accused of carrying a loaded revolver, fleeing from police, and discarding the firearm during a foot chase near a Wendy’s restaurant. On Thursday, Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a $5,000 cash bail and instead set bail at $1,500 cash. Faizon D. Clemons is charged with obstructing an officer, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. Court records show the case is proceeding in adult court after juvenile court jurisdiction was waived. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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DA Sought $7,500; Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun Sets Just $500 Cash Bail for Man Accused of Strangling Child’s Mother

Larry K. Sims, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of striking and strangling the mother of his child after she told him she did not want to rekindle their relationship was released Thursday on a $500 cash bail after Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun rejected a prosecutor’s request for a substantially higher amount. District Attorney Xavier Solis had asked the court to impose a $7,500 cash bail, while defense attorney Hunter Fite requested a $100 cash bail. Braun ultimately settled on $500 cash bail. Larry K. Sims, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Retired Racine Police Officer Accused of Drunken Motorcycle Crash Released on No-Cash Bail by Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson) KENOSHA, Wis. — A retired Racine police officer accused of crashing his motorcycle into a speed limit sign while allegedly intoxicated was released Thursday on a $1,000 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. Daniel H. Webber, 55, of Kenosha, is charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated stemming from a June 11 crash in the 1400 block of 30th Avenue. According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha police were dispatched at about 7:53 p.m. after receiving reports of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash and that the rider was attempting to pick up the motorcycle and leave the scene. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Third-Time OWI Driver Accused in Hit-and-Run Released on No-Cash Bail by Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun

Mary A. Collins, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 73-year-old Kenosha woman accused of causing a hit-and-run crash while impaired was released Thursday on a $500 no-cash bail by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun, despite prosecutors seeking a $1,000 cash bond. Mary A. Collins is charged with Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) stemming from a June 15 incident on the city’s south side. Mary A. Collins, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Respected by His Peers: Officer Justin Labatore Named Kenosha Police’s 2025 Officer of the Year

KENOSHA, Wis. — Officer Justin Labatore, a member of the Kenosha Police Department since Jan. 25, 2021, has been named the Kenosha Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year. The honor is particularly significant because it was determined by fellow officers. The award recognizes the officer whose peers believe best exemplifies professionalism, dedication, service, and commitment to both the department and the community. Labatore, who works second shift, was selected by the officers who serve alongside him each day. Those officers cited his work ethic, initiative, professionalism, and positive impact on the department in choosing him for the recognition. Second Shift Captain Leo Viola, Labatore’s shift commander, said he was not surprised by the selection. “I am not surprised Justin was chosen because he is the type of officer that

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Only $250 Cash Bail From ‘No Money’ Masnica for Man Accused of Masturbating in Kenosha Public Library While Holding Kids Book

Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica ordered a competency examination Wednesday for a 27-year-old Kenosha man accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of a woman inside the Kenosha Public Library, while setting cash bail at just $250 despite prosecutors seeking $2,000. Antwan Mickle McKenzie, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Gun in Waistband, THC in Car: Kenosha Woman and Bristol Man Charged Following Traffic Stop

Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha, and Vontrell D. Cooks Jr., 17, of Bristol, appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court this month after prosecutors charged the pair following a May traffic stop that allegedly led police to a THC vape, marijuana, and a concealed handgun carried by the passenger. Dejah A. Scott, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Third-Time Drunk Driver Caught Doing 98 MPH Gets Work Release, Not Jail

Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Judge David O. Hughes sentenced a Racine man to work release Tuesday after the man pleaded guilty to his third drunk-driving offense, continuing what many see as a longstanding Kenosha County court practice of sparing repeat OWI offenders from straight jail time. Christopher J. Maldonado, 38, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

No Delay for Garbage and Recycling Collection During Juneteenth Holiday, City Says

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents who normally set out their garbage and recycling on Fridays will not see any interruption in service during the Juneteenth holiday this week, according to the City of Kenosha Department of Public Works. The city announced Tuesday that waste and recycling collection will proceed as scheduled on Friday, June 19, 2026, and that there will be no collection delays during the week of June 15. The announcement comes as many government offices and services adjust schedules in observance of the federal holiday. While curbside collection will remain unchanged, several city-operated drop-off facilities will have modified schedules. The Bulk Drop-Off Site at 1001 50th St., which is normally closed on Fridays, will reopen Saturday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The concrete and brick/block drop-off

Citizens Group Says Hard Rock Kenosha Economic Projections Are Outdated, Calls for New Review

KENOSHA, Wis. — A group opposed to expanded gambling is urging government officials to revisit the economic assumptions behind the proposed $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino project in Kenosha County, arguing that major market changes since the original studies were completed have weakened the case for the development. In a press release issued Wednesday, Citizens Against Expanded Gambling said the project’s supporting economic analysis is now more than two years old and fails to account for significant developments in the regional gaming industry. Among the changes cited by the group are the expansion plans recently announced at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, the opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit, and Wisconsin’s legalization of tribal online sports betting. The organization argues that the Rockford expansion, which includes a new hotel and

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Walmart Theft Crew Faces Felony Charges; One Defendant Reportedly in ICE Custody

Top Row: Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti, 25, and Aidan M. McNab, 22Bottom Row: Natalia R. Borgens Abraham, 24, and Analiese Borgens Abraham, 19(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Four people accused of participating in a retail theft scheme targeting the Walmart in Somers are now facing felony charges in Kenosha County after authorities alleged they worked together to steal more than $1,100 worth of merchandise from the store. Esteban N. Franco Vairoletti Aidan M. McNab Natalia R. Borgens Abraham Analiese Borgens Abraham You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Only $10,000 Cash Bail Set by Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica in Two-Count Child Sexual Assault Case Against Kenosha Man

Kyreasion Glendale Connor, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha man accused of two child sexual assault-related crimes was ordered held on just a $10,000 cash bond Tuesday after appearing before Supplemental Court Commissioner Michael “No Money” Masnica in Kenosha County Intake Court. The bond amount was set despite the fact that the charges carry a combined maximum penalty of up to 100 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted. The $10,000 cash bond was requested by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office; however, while prosecutors may recommend a bond amount, the court commissioner has the ultimate authority to set bail and is not required to follow either side’s recommendation. In this case, Masnica adopted the State’s request and set bond at $10,000

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Judge to Dominick Black: “I Need to Protect This Community” Before Imposing Prison Sentence for Rittenhouse’s Former Friend

Dominick D. Black, 24, of Kenosha In Court Today With Defense Attorney Benjamin Van Severen(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dominick Black, the Kenosha man who gained national attention after purchasing the rifle later used by Kyle Rittenhouse during the 2020 Kenosha riots, was sentenced Tuesday to prison after Judge Gabriele concluded that repeated opportunities for rehabilitation had failed and that the public needed protection from his continued criminal behavior. Dominick D. Black, 24, of Kenosha You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Passenger in Car, 97 MPH Pursuit Ends with Spike Strip: Kenosha Man Held on $10,000 Cash Bail

Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 23-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony charges and two misdemeanor bail jumping counts after Pleasant Prairie police say he sped away from a traffic stop while an officer was patting down one of his passengers, leading police on a high-speed pursuit that reached nearly 100 mph. Adrian M. Gonzalez, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Porch Pirate of 60th Street: Kenosha Man Charged After Google Pixel Vanishes From Apartment Mail Area

Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 59-year-old Kenosha man is facing a criminal charge after police say surveillance video captured him taking a newly delivered Google Pixel smartphone package from a common mail area inside an apartment building and walking away with it hidden inside his jacket. Jerry J. Darracott, 59, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Moon Over My Hammy, Then Mayhem: Kenosha Man Charged After Alleged IHOP Kitchen Assault Between Co-Workers

James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing three criminal charges after prosecutors say a late-night argument with his girlfriend inside an IHOP restaurant escalated into violence and was captured on surveillance video. James I. Spencer, 27, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

20-Year-Old Kenosha Man Killed in Minibike Crash With Box Truck

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 20-year-old Kenosha man died Tuesday afternoon following a crash involving a box truck and a minibike near the intersection of 60th Street and 13th Avenue, according to the Kenosha Police Department. Initial dispatch traffic indicated that a child had been struck by a vehicle, with radio transmissions reporting a “vehicle versus child” crash and stating that the victim was lying face down in the roadway. Based on the information broadcast over emergency radio channels at the time, Kenosha County Eye and Scanner Watch of Kenosha County reported that a child was involved. Police later determined that the victim was not a child, but a 20-year-old Kenosha man operating a small, non-street-legal minibike. The crash was reported at approximately 12:16 p.m. Officers arrived and found the injured

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DA Solis Drops Domestic Violence Case Against Wealthy Businessman Michael Zacker; Body Camera Footage Released

Mike Zacker, 56, of Pleasant Prairie(Pleasant Prairie Police Department) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis on Tuesday dismissed a domestic violence case against prominent local businessman Michael Zacker, despite body camera footage showing the alleged victim repeatedly telling police that Zacker slapped her twice across the face, causing her ears to ring and knocking her to the floor. The dismissal, coming less than three months after charges were filed, is likely to be viewed as unusual by many courthouse insiders and criminal defense attorneys, who routinely see domestic violence cases take a year or longer to resolve and frequently proceed to jury trial on comparable evidence. Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis (R)(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Mike Zacker, 56, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County

Courthouse Insiders: Judge Chad Kerkman Wanted Former Clerk Gone; Fired Employee Wins Unemployment Appeal

KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Kenosha County judicial assistant who courthouse insiders describe as one of the most respected and well-liked employees in the courthouse has prevailed in her appeal of a decision denying her unemployment benefits after she was fired over an Amazon Echo Show device that sat openly on her desk for years. The former judicial assistant worked for Kenosha County for more than 15 years and spent time assigned to both a branch courtroom and later Intake Court before her termination. According to multiple courthouse employees, attorneys, and others familiar with the situation, the employee was widely respected by judges, court commissioners, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courthouse staff. Several courthouse insiders who spoke to Kenosha County Eye on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation

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