Lawmakers making push to stop Wheatland placement

CrimeSceneTape web copyHearing Tuesday in Kenosha County to prevent sex offender release

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

With litigation in three different counties – State legislators and Kenosha County officials are charging hard against placement of two out-of-county sex offenders into a Town of Wheatland residence – where a one-year-old lives next door.

Robert and Michael McGee, no relation, of Milwaukee and Racine counties respectively, had been ordered released on recommendations made by the Department of Health Services during court proceedings.

The announcement had been made at an intense standing room only Wheatland Town Hall meeting Wednesday, where residents learned the two will take residence at 32200 Geneva Road before May 20.

Rep. Samantha Kerkman of the 61st Assembly confirmed via email Sunday that her and three other state lawmakers – Rep. Tyler August and State Sens. Steve Nass and Van Wanggaard – co-signed letters addressed to both Milwaukee and Racine counties.

“It is to our understanding that during the court proceedings, the Department of Health Services did not make it known that there was a child living next door. This is especially troubling, given the fact that Michael McGee had his parole revoked after being charged with first-degree sexual assault of a 10-year-old child,” stated in a letter addressed to Racine County Judge Allan Torhorst.

Michael McGee, 53, had been originally convicted in Racine County of one count second-degree assault and a count of burglary in 1987.

Wheatland Town Attorney Todd Terry filed a motion in Racine County, requesting they overturn Michael McGee’s placement, scheduled for 10 a.m. May 18.

Robert McGee
Robert McGee

In the case of Robert McGee, the DHS backed off its recommendation following discussions with Kenosha County Deputy District Attorney Michael Graveley.

Robert McGee, 55, had been convicted in 1989 of first-degree sexual assault in Milwaukee, and had his parole revoked when he re-offended upon release from custody.

“It is to our understanding that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has also sent a formal request for your court to rescind this placement order due to an error by their Department,” the letter explained.

In a question presented through an index card at the Town Hall meeting, a resident questioned whether county officials are prepared, in event the Racine County motion is denied.

Graveley stated they plan on filing a judgment in Kenosha County challenging Michael McGee’s placement.

The hearing, scheduled 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kenosha County Courthouse, noted property landlord Lagoda Property Management LLC of Fond du Lac and DHS as co-defendants, according to online court records.

Michael McGee
Michael McGee

Both court hearings cite legislation passed by state legislators in a February session, 2015 Act 156, barring serious sex offenders from living within 1,500 feet of schools, churches, day care centers, where children live and other areas that children engage in activities.
The property is within 1,000 feet of a county park and bike path, near a parking lot that serves a nearby river where children engage in recreational activities and close proximity to a private fireworks stand.

“As legislators that represent Kenosha County, we take the safety of our constituents very seriously, especially when children are involved,” the letter stated, noting the intent of Act 156 is to ensure offenders are place in their home counties.

Both offenders are still at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Facility in Mauston.


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