Placement involves same Wheatland residence
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Almost a year ago this month, Town of Wheatland residents learned a violent sex offender was set for placement into a residence next door to a family with a child, which sparked appeals and protests in western Kenosha County.
Michael McGee, 54, was convicted in 1987 of second-degree sexual assault and burglary in Racine County, and set for release from Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Facility in Mauston last year.
The Department of Health Services placement led to legal challenges by the Town of Wheatland and Kenosha County Corporation Counsel.
Furthermore, four state lawmakers responded, drafting a letter to DHS and Racine County Circuit Court Judge Allan Torhorst, who ordered McGee’s release early last year.
Despite support, Torhorst upheld the placement, leading to an appeal.
Although it appears McGee has settled into a Monroe County residence, according to the state sex offender registry, the battle is not over.
On Tuesday, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department confirmed reports two other potential sex offenders could move into the 32200 Geneva Road residence, but are still investigating the issue.
“We have been made aware of, and are currently investigating, the situation,” said Sgt. Eric Klinkhammer of the Sheriff’s Department.
Meanwhile, according to Mark Rogers, the child’s father, representatives from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department came to his home on Monday to inform him of the potential placement of two new registered sex offenders.
Still on appeals
While authorities and Rogers await more information on the new development, Kenosha County’s appeal to block McGee’s placement is still in briefing in the state appellate court, according to First Assistant Jennifer Kopp of Kenosha County Corporation Counsel.
“I have not had any direct contact with DHS about the appeal,” Kopp said. “We are still awaiting an appeals decision.”
The appeal outlined several underlying concerns, including McGee’s Chapter 980 civil commitment status, and the recently passed Act 156.
Act 156 bars sexually violent sex offenders from living within 1,500-feet of schools, churches, parks and places where children live and play.
For additional information regarding this developing story, visit mykenoshacounty.com.