Friday, February 16, 2024

Time limit for preliminary hearing waived for former sheriff's deputy Preston Kite in need of attorney

From The Journal Times.com:

Preston Kite, a former Racine County Sheriff's Office deputy who is accused of child sex crimes, appeared in court via Zoom from the Kenosha County Detention Center next to Judge Timothy Boyle on Thursday morning. 


RACINE — Preston Kite, a former Racine County Sheriff’s Office deputy accused of sex crimes against children, was granted more time to retain an attorney in court Thursday morning.

Kite, 37, was charged Feb. 8 with possession of child pornography, five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, lewd and lascivious behavior and disorderly conduct. During his initial appearance Feb. 8, a judge set a $150,000 cash bond.

Kite is accused of exposing himself to a man in a public restroom. During the investigation into the incident, deputies from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department reportedly found child sexual abuse material on Kite’s phone, according to the criminal complaint filed in the case.

Kite was immediately removed from duty and placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the termination process, according to Lt. Michael Luell, public information officer for the sheriff’s office. Luell said Kite’s disciplinary process was completed Feb. 8, resulting in his termination.

The sheriff’s office also requested that the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department lead the investigation.

Kite appeared via Zoom from the Kenosha County Detention Center without an attorney for a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Kite said he has made attempts to get counsel through the State Public Defender Office in Racine and his family is trying to retain an attorney for him.

Judge Timothy Boyle found good cause that Kite was trying to find an attorney and waived the required time limits for holding a preliminary hearing.

Kite will appear in court again March 7 for a status conference.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/former-deputy-preston-kite-appears-in-court-lacks-attorney/article_4fa7e86c-cc24-11ee-b61a-e3a8b34feebb.html

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