Saturday, May 3, 2025
Racine man sentenced to federal prison in connection to hacking spree
Caroline Neal
LOS ANGELES — A 23-year-old Racine man has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison in connection to a nationwide spree in which hackers gained access to Ring door cameras, placed false calls to emergency services and live-streamed police response on social media.
In January, Kya Nelson, who has been in federal custody since August 2024, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information.
He previously served a prison sentence in Kentucky after being convicted in an unrelated state case.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Nelson and other conspirators were accused of acquiring login information for Yahoo email accounts throughout the United States.
Then, they allegedly determined whether account owners used the same login information for Ring doorbell camera devices, allowing them to learn more about the account owners.
From Nov. 7, 2020, to Nov. 13, 2020, false emergency reports or calls were made to local law enforcement to provoke a police response to an account owner’s home.
The police response was live-streamed through the cameras on social media and the accused “taunted responding police officers and victims through the Ring devices during several of the incidents,” according to the release.
“(Nelson) and his co-conspirators went on a digital crime spree, terrorizing innocent people around the country from behind their keyboards,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “While (Nelson) was safe behind his keyboard, he subjected others to real danger.”
Friday, May 2, 2025
Cops Gone Wild: Greenfield assistant police chief named acting chief after Chief Jay Johnson placed on leave
Adrienne Davis
The City of Greenfield has appointed an acting police chief following the announcement that Police Chief Jay Johnson was placed on paid administrative leave.
The Greenfield Police and Fire Commission appointed Assistant Police Chief Eric Lindstrom to be the acting chief on April 30, according to meeting minutes.
Johnson was placed on leave April 25 pending a review of “workforce concerns,” according to the city.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has submitted open records requests to the city to obtain more information.
According to the city’s website, Lindstrom has been with the department since 2003. He has served as a field training officer, K-9 handler and SWAT team member, and is certified to instruct officers in several specialized enforcement areas.
He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2015, detective sergeant in 2017, and later to captain and tactical commander, overseeing critical incident responses.
Since 2020, Lindstrom has also served as the team commander for the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, leading investigations into officer-involved deaths.
Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne Davis at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.
Government cash mailings to random Americans draw Senate DOGE leader’s ire: ‘Complete waste’
Gov. Tony Evers clashes with Trump's border czar over immigration guidance warning
MITCHELL SCHMIDT
President Donald Trump's border czar this week issued a harsh warning to Gov. Tony Evers over recent guidance by the Democratic governor's administration on what state employees should do if immigration officials or other federal agents show up at their workplace — seeming to suggest the Democratic governor could face felony charges for impeding Trump's deportation efforts.
Evers' on Friday rejected the notion that he's broken any laws, noting that such an accusation "should be of concern to every Wisconsinite and every American who cares about this country and the values we hold dear."
The clash comes as Trump's administration ramps up efforts to deport people living in the country illegally, which has set up a slew of lawsuits. Wisconsin Democrats have pushed back against Trump's efforts, while Legislative Republicans have urged Evers to rescind the guidance.
Speaking with reporters in Washington, D.C., Thursday, White House border security adviser Tom Homansaid to "wait and see what's coming," when asked about Evers' April memo directing state workers to contact an attorney if approached by federal immigration agents.
"I meant what I said," Homan said. "You cannot support what we’re doing, and you can support sanctuary cities if that’s what you want to. But if you cross that line of impediment or knowingly harboring or concealing an illegal alien, that is a felony, and we’ll treat it as such."
Officials with Evers' administration have said the guidance was issued to state employees after receiving questions about what to do if federal agents, like those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, approach them at their workplace.
In a video statement issued Friday, Evers called Homan's comments "chilling" and accused Republicans of spreading misinformation about the guidance, which the governor said was intended to provide consistent instructions to state employees and ensure they have an attorney present to help them comply with federal and state laws.
"I’m used to Republicans and the right wing lying about me," Evers said. "It comes with the job. But, this time, these lies came at a cost. I haven’t broken the law, I haven’t committed a crime and I’ve never encouraged or directed anyone to break any laws or commit any crimes."
"And as disgusted as I am about the continued actions of the Trump Administration, I am not afraid," Evers said. "I have never once been discouraged from doing the right thing, and I will not start today."
The administration's memo urges state employees who are approached by immigration agents to stay calm and notify a supervisor, ask agents to identify themselves or provide documentation, contact their office's attorney, decline to answer questions and prevent agents from entering nonpublic areas or gaining access to paper files or computer systems.
In a letter to Evers earlier this week, legislative Republicans urged the governor to rescind the guidance "to avoid future conflicts between state and federal authorities, to assist our brave men and women in law enforcement, and to ensure the Trump administration’s goal of deporting violent illegal immigrants is given the full assistance of the state of Wisconsin."
The Republican-controlled Assembly earlier this year passed a bill that would require county sheriffs to comply with federal immigration officials. Evers has said he will likely veto the proposal.
Clashes over Trump's deportation efforts reached a head last month in Wisconsin after the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities.
Dugan has been charged with concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.
She is accused of escorting Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer from her court through the jury door after learning that ICE agents were in the building and seeking his arrest. Flores-Ruiz, who court documents say illegally reentered the U.S. after being deported in 2013, was taken into custody outside after a foot chase.
Downtown Racine's newest thrift store opens Saturday
Caroline Neal
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Tara Gutierrez is opening One Stop Shop Thrift on Saturday, May 3. "I wanted to do something affordable for the community where they can get nice quality items for a very low price," Gutierrez said.
RACINE — No matter the city, Tara Gutierrez likes to thrift any chance she gets, with some of her best finds including a vintage Coach purse she gifted to her cousin.
“Anytime I see something (and) it catches my eye, then I’ll just stop in and see what’s in there,” she said. “I love it because you find so many unique things.”
Now, Racine thrifting and shopping enthusiasts will have a new spot to look for their own unique finds.
Gutierrez is opening One Stop Shop Thrift at 240 Main St this weekend. Accepting donations from the community, the store will sell a variety of goods, including clothing, at affordable prices.
This comes as 8 in 10 Americans are planning to rely more on second-hand shopping to offset rising costs, according to a StorageUnits.com survey. Of that, 48% cited high traditional retail prices as the primary reason for turning to thrifting, and 69% said it was to save money.
One Stop Shop Thrift officially opens at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, with grand opening celebrations occurring from 2-4 p.m.
Gutierrez, who has been thrifting since she was in her 20s, said sheretail previously considered opening a retail store, like a boutique, but “wasn’t really interested in that” and “didn’t really know where to begin.”
But when her daughter, Fyness, suggested last year that Gutierrez open a thrift store, Gutierrez said it was “an amazing idea.”
“I wasn’t hesitant to jump into it,” she said.
For the past seven months, Gutierrez and Kirsten Murriel, her sister and business partner, have worked to prepare the store, figuring out what donations would be accepted and collecting items for the store.
In fact, Gutierrez said the store is full, and she has overflow in storage.
“The response from the community has been great,” she said. “People are excited. They’re looking forward to it.”
Gutierrez said her spot in Downtown Racine lets her be “right in the middle of everything.”
“To me, downtown is the perfect spot because it’s for everything — all types of businesses,” she said.
Gutierrez said she’s excited to meet community members who have been “looking for this type of store.”
“It’s a family friendly thrift store,” she said.
Gutierrez said she’d also like to help people find certain items that might not be available at regular thrift stores and get it for them at a low price.
Offering quality items at affordable prices is an important goal, and she’s willing to negotiate prices “to help the community.”
In her own experience, Gutierrez has noticed increased prices at some second-hand stores.
Often, when she shops second-hand, Gutierrez will spot a graphic shirt priced at $50, but in her store, customers will be able to get similar items for around $10.
“I wouldn’t sell anything that I wouldn’t buy,” she said. “But the difference is instead of going in and having to pay $50 for it, you can pay $8 or $9 for it.”
Located in the upstairs unit of a downtown storefront, One Stop Shop Thrift is a smaller space compared to other thrift stores, she said.
“Not everyone likes to be in a big environment, so I think that’s a plus,” Gutierrez said.
Although One Stop Shop Thrift is Gutierrez’s first retail endeavor, she didn’t have concerns about opening the shop.
“I have a lot of faith, and I know this is something that I was meant to do. It’s been exciting for me,” Gutierrez said. “It’s a small space that I did a lot with, and I think people will be excited to see it.”
One Stop Shop Thrift will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Currently, the store is accepting donations. Gutierrez said she’ll take “everything, even down to diapers” and board games.
However, the store is unable to take jewelry and furniture, except smaller items such as end tables, due to limited space.
To donate, call 262-412-9052.
Cops Gone Wild: A Milwaukee police captain was fired earlier this year. Records show she held a possible pregnancy against another officer.
David Clarey
A Milwaukee police captain who previously was suspended for a slow response to a rape call was fired after thwarting the transfer of a sergeant whom she believed was planning to become pregnant and take family leave, according to recently released records.
The former captain, Roberta Klein, then came under more scrutiny for telling a co-worker about the resulting internal investigation into her conduct, the records say.
A police spokesperson said Klein's firing in January was the only termination of a captain the department could recall.
The records detail allegations of Klein acting unprofessionally, calling another sergeant her "little nugget," regularly gossiping about her female colleagues' personal lives and discussing an explicit photo sent to her by an ex-boyfriend.
Klein did not respond to multiple interview requests. She denied the allegations in internal affairs interviews, according to department records.
She has filed an appeal to try to get her job back with the city's Fire and Police Commission, the civilian oversight board. The appeal hearings are scheduled for May 8 and 9.
The Police Department declined to make any official available for an interview about the case. The Milwaukee Police Supervisors Organization, the union for the police supervisors, declined an interview request.
In 2018, Klein was suspended for six days for a slow response to a woman who was kidnapped and raped. At the time, Klein and two other supervisors were working in the department's 911 center — which is now managed by a separate city department — when calls on the incident took place.
It took over an hour for officers to be dispatched and she later told investigators it was "the worst night I've worked."
Klein accused of discriminating against officer planning family, criticized others use of family leave, reports say
The current investigation began in January 2024, when a department lieutenant reported Klein's General Crimes Division was on the verge of "mutiny," records show.
"(The lieutenant) questioned if Captain Klein was mature enough to be leading the division," the report reads.
The division is now known as the Major Crimes Division and investigates crimes other than homicides or gun violence.
According to internal affairs records:
Klein was accused of blocking a sergeant's transfer to her division because she believed the woman was planning to have a child and go on parental leave. That accusation was levied against Klein by a lieutenant and another sergeant.
The lieutenant also said Klein disclosed the personal health history of the female sergeant when explaining why she thought the sergeant was trying to become pregnant.
Multiple people told internal affairs that Klein openly criticized the use of family leave, including texting critical messages to other supervisors of a lieutenant who requested time off following a family member's death.
She suggested those who used family leave were "not dedicated to the division," internal records show.
Klein was notified in January 2024 that she was under investigation. Per department policy, she was told not to disclose the investigation to anyone. However, investigators learned she showed a notice of the investigation to another colleague.
Klein's relationship with another police sergeant — whom she called her "little nugget" and who was also investigated — came under scrutiny in the investigation. A lieutenant told internal affairs their close relationship "compromised" the division's culture, with the lieutenant feeling undermined by the sergeant and Klein.
Klein's friend, the sergeant, was the person who disclosed the medical information of the female sergeant whom Klein later blocked from transferring.
The sergeant, whose name is redacted from Klein's records, denied telling Klein about their co-worker's medical condition. The Milwaukee Police Department declined to release the sergeant's name but said the sergeant resigned during the investigation.
Members of Klein's division also said they feared retaliation for reporting her behavior and several described a meeting where Klein discussed receiving an explicit image from an ex-boyfriend, which made some people so uncomfortable they left the meeting early. A lieutenant said Klein often spoke in "innuendos" during meetings.
When questioned by internal affairs, Klein denied she violated department policies. She said her hesitancy to transfer the female sergeant was because of concerns with the sergeant's performance and behavior issues, not due to a possible pregnancy.
Klein told the investigator she should not have disclosed the internal investigation into her conduct, but said she thought she was a "good captain" and that "subordinates are confusing 'hostility' with accountability,'" the records show.
Klein made $142,194 in gross salary in 2022, according to the Journal Sentinel's most recent records of Milwaukee employees.
David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.
19-year-old faces child neglect charges
Caroline Neal
RACINE — A 19-year-old Racine man was charged with child neglect after a doctor reportedly found burns on the right side of the child’s face, right hand and upper back.
Relando Clark faces one count of neglecting a child wherein the consequence is bodily harm.
The maximum sentence upon conviction is a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.
Online court records show that Racine County Court Commissioner Alice Rudebusch set a $1,000 cash bond and a $5,000 signature bond during an April 30 hearing. Clark is scheduled to appear in court May 7.
Allegations
According to a criminal complaint, the Racine Police Department was dispatched to the 900 block of Martin Luther King Drive following a child abuse report.
The complaint details that on Sept. 18, 2024, Clark was watching his newborn baby and the child at an apartment on the 2200 block of Mount Pleasant Street. While in the kitchen, Clark reportedly heard a loud thud, followed by the child crying.
He then reportedly saw the child underneath an elliptical bike machine.
Clark reportedly said he did not see any injuries, but moments later, observed what appeared to be skin peeling on the child’s back and hands.
The child’s mother then returned to the apartment and saw Clark trying to treat the child’s wounds, according to the complaint. The mother reportedly told RPD that Clark contacted emergency services, who said the child needed to go to the hospital.
RPD also asked the mother about a bottle warmer in the apartment. The mother reportedly said it “gets really hot” and that she has burned herself before.
According to the complaint, Clark allegedly said he did not know how the child was injured and “did not even notice the injuries to (the child’s) face until he was leaving with rescue.”
On Sept. 19, 2024, the child was examined by a doctor. RPD received a report documenting the injuries to the child’s face, hand and upper back.
According to the complaint, the report stated the child’s injuries were “inconsistent and unexpected” with being stuck between pedals of a tipped over bicycle. Rather, the report stated that the child’s burns were “consistent with a hot liquid splashing onto him.”
EMS also reportedly suggested that the child’s burns, which appeared in a splash or drip pattern, were caused by a hot liquid.
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Pope Francis embodied moral clarity and empathy. Then came along Donald Trump. | Letters
He called for swift and unified global action but always remained hopeful that governments would do the right thing. Then came President Donald Trump.
Trump’s attendance at the Pope’s funeral is a direct insult to Francis’s legacy. Trump’s first 100 days in office reveal a glaring lack of empathy for the struggles of ordinary Americans let alone “care for our common home” that Pope Francis devoted his entire life to.
Defunding research on science, ignoring the rule of law, indiscriminately firing federal workers, slashing funding for Head Start, decimating USAID or depriving people of due process protections does not align with Christian moral values, values Trump pretended to embody by going to the Pope’s funeral. Shameful.
Sam Breidenbach, Madison
From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/readers/2025/05/01/pope-francis-funeral-trump/83378601007/
Unfortunately, Pope Francis' concern with "social justice" did not extend to the rampant pedophilia in the Catholic Church, nor did he cash in one penny of the billions of dollars worth of stolen art and artifacts that the Vatican sits on to help the poor. Just the usual bullshit and lies from Catholics who believe that they are better than others. Disgusting "religion."
New COP House opens in Downtown Racine
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Cops Gone Wild: Greenfield police chief placed on paid leave pending review of workplace concerns, city says
Adrienne Davis
Greenfield's police chief has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a review of workplace concerns, and the city's Police and Fire Commission will be appointing an acting police chief, according to the city.
Chief Jay Johnson was placed on leave April 25, Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke said in an April 30 statement issued by the city in response to media inquiries.
Neitzke said the city is conducting an "independent review of recent workplace concerns."
“Our priority is to ensure a thorough, fair process and to maintain the continued safety and effective service of the Greenfield Police Department for our community,” Neitzke said in the statement.
When contacted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Neitzke said he had no further information to share.
The city scheduled a special Police and Fire Commission meeting for 6 p.m. April 30 to discuss the appointment of an acting police chief, according to the agenda.
Inquiries to the Greenfield Police and Fire Commission were not immediately returned.
Johnson was appointed chief on April 4, 2019, according to the City of Greenfield's official website. He began his law enforcement career in March 1992 after serving two years with the Town of Brookfield Police Department.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2001, lieutenant in 2008 and captain in 2012.
This story will be updated.
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