"I would never travel to your town as it is apparent there is a lot of corruption in the sheriffs office, the disgraceful prosecutor, and even the judges, including the appellate courts It is truly unbelievable that your community could make such a travesty of the judicial system. Kocourek praised Petersen endlessly in his many promotion notices, one of which read (Pg. If they had simply done their job properly when collecting those car parts, no one could make such claims. Unfortunately, I think the film has done a lot of damage and is definitely not the way Manitowoc County would like to be put on the map.. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, PART ONE: Fuck-ups, Cover-ups and Promotions. The coroner later quit due to the obstruction she faced. Way before the Hermann brothers were first and third in command; before Teresa, Ricky, or Penny, the Hermann family still had an enormous amount of influence within the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department (MCSD). Four critical aspects of this corruption are: Fraudulent prosecutions (utilizing criminal conduct) that appear to be done as favors so that well-connected insiders can profit in the civil realm from the fraudulent criminal convictions. Rot in hell," "You guys are corrupt," and "Im never setting foot in Wisconsin are just a few comments the sheriff's department received since the release. Regardless of guilt or innocence, what your office did to manipulate that young mans testimony in the Avery case was repulsive and I would suspect unconstitutional. Seems about right. ", 11. I used to think of cranes when I heard the name Manitowoc, not anymore. Maybe the nightly news has been right all along: we live in a corrupt and violent world where not even small-town justice is free from corruption and agendas The city of Manitowoc and the state of Wisconsin should be ashamed of who was/is representing them and who was/is supposedly protecting its citizens. 78). Not to mention, Hermann's decidedly unique access to nearly unlimited car parts from his family's Auto Salvage Yard fits in with such theories (again, I want to note such conspiracies originated in the community long ago, not on reddit after MAM). Although only MCSDs history is examined in the post, the same lesson applies to other departments. MANITOWOC, Wis. (WCCO) -- Just a month ago, few knew of a Wisconsin city called Manitowoc. Shannon Bolick, 29, a legal assistant at a law firm just down the street from the courthouse, had seen the first three episodes when approached by a reporter. On November 7, 2005 Bushman and the younger Hermann brother signed in together at the command post. The DOJ's criminal destruction of an apparent crime scene is extremely telling. There is no question thats what this film did, he said. Manitowoc County comprises the Manitowoc, WI Micropolitan Statistical Area. That's significant. So yes, both the MCSD and Wisconsin DOJ wanted Steven's lawsuit to fail more than they wanted justice to be served to Teresa and her family. He called it one-sided and said it is profiting off the Halbach family's loss. Both Petersen and Bushman were hired by MCSD with no prior experience in law enforcement; both were in serious collisions in their squad cars; both became loyal underlings to Sheriff Kocourek; and both names turn up during the 1985 Penny Bernsteen assault case, the 1999 Ricky Hotchstetler vehicular homicide case, and the 2005 Teresa Halbach criminal homicide case. On Pg. "John Ferak is an investigative journalist who is trying to figure out who committed the murder. The charges against Avery in 2005 drew national attention. 2023 www.postcrescent.com. At the time of Teresa's death, two Hermann brothers were steadily climbing the ranks. Only two days after the death County officials held a press conference during which it was announced Petersen was absolved of any wrong doing or negligence regarding the loss of life. Her DNA was found on a bullet from Avery's gun. Just to set the stage a bit - The Kuss road incident has long been a famous unresolved mystery of this case, and for good reason. According to social media, people all across America feel the same way. This evidence is filed and not taken action about until 2003, illustrating the bias and corruption of the Manitowoc county Police department, to protect its own reputation. ", 17. But they were not the most senior department on the scene. Manitowoc County Drug Disposal Program is accepting unused and/or expired medications, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and pet medications at no charge. Bushman) decided to question [Ricky's father] about a statement he made to REDACTED regarding the opinion that police may have been involved in the accident and are attempting to cover it up. And the sad thing is there is a murderer out there who has gotten away with it! Bushman knew the Hermann family well enough to list the Hermann father as a reference on his application to MCSD (Pg. I could also him taking an interest in auto racing, perhaps he would sponsor his own racing team for NASCAR. "The actions towards the Avery family by the Manitowac (sic) Sheriffs Department are among the most deplorable examples I have seen of pure evilness in human society I hope you are aware that a growing portion of this country, if not this planet, is under the opinion that your department is corrupt and a great shame to the American people, our government and our Constitution. The boys in the club had once more saved themselves from facing civil liability, just like they did with Gina Hxxxxx (from Part One) and Ricky Hotchstetler (from above). RELATED STORY: Politician: Steven Avery's eyes prove he's guilty, RELATED STORY:No Steven Avery evidence planted: detective. The County Steven was suing? As we can see from above ^ it seems as though Kocourek went to great lengths to avoid investigating the incident or mentioning it anywhere in department filings. And while he called its portrayal of events "subjective," he did allow that if Avery were innocent, it would be scary to think "what people can do.". Christ almighty that pissed me off. Since it was released, the sheriff's department has gotten between 250 and 300 phone calls and hundreds of emails some positive, but many more negative about its role in the Avery case, Hermann said. But then, all of a sudden, the crime lab declared nothing was found, and everyone went home. And although she doesn't think it will affect the business in which she works, Cordova wondered if the series would deter people from visiting the county or the city. Im not sure I can look my kids in the eye and believe my own words anymore. A careful and by the book collection of evidence from the burn pit should have been a top priority for all involved in running this investigation. Manitowoc County is now officially on the map for having the most corrupt (law enforcement officers) in the nation, congrats. Avery, 23, professes his innocence and produces 16 alibi witnesses. For example, Coroner Kakatsch quit her position as County Coroner after Steven and Brendan were convicted, telling the filmmakers through watery eyes although she loved her job she didnt feel safe working in the position any longer. Ferak spoke about The Wrecking Crew, Avery and Zellner in an exclusive interview with Newsweek. WISN/YouTube. Manitowoc isnt the way its depicted in this Netflix (series).. Meyer and a volunteer spent time during the holidays deleting posts and trying to rebound from reviews that include statements such as, What an embarrassment. Feraks identifies the Petersen incident as a "successful whitewash for Kocourek.". All of this created a BROKEN CHAIN OF CUSTODY. All of these whispers caught the attention of lead investigator Bushman, who knew from Kocourek how to deal with citizens spreading rumors of corruption. Manitowoc, WI 34 87 162 5/1/2021 Lived in Manitowoc many years and fully support the local county sheriff and all their deputies. What a joke of a department. Zellner worked closely with Ferak and told Newsweek the book explores important areas left out of the series. At this time, no further follow-up will need to be done.". "The Wrecking Crew" takes a deeper look into Kathleen Zellner's legal process. One of the biggest liars even got promoted to (lieutenant)? The injustice that Steven Avery experienced during the murder trial of Teresa Halbach is INSANE! By moving incriminating evidence closer to Steven's trailer and away from the actual scene of Teresa's death. I will also draw many connections between the Manitowoc County, Calumet County, and the DOJ in the interest of highlighting just how tangled this web is. "Shocked seeing the Netflix series 'Making a Murderer.' TL;DR: Manitowoc County's Culture of Corruption Both Petersen and Bushman were hired by MCSD with no prior experience in law enforcement, and both ended up being involved in serious collisions with their squad cars, collisions that were quickly swept under the rug by Sheriff Kocourek. A retired Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office police officer has sued Netflix and the makers of the documentary series "Making a Murderer" for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional. That the culture of corruption involving the key leaders at the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department is way more extensive than many people would realize from having just watched Making a. And they're turning their wrath on the east-central Wisconsincommunity. Averys sweat DNA found on the hood latch of Halbachs vehicle discovered by Calumet County law enforcement. Kocourek, Petersen and Bushman were a powerful and corrupt trio in the community. Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey are innocent. In a notice of promotion (to Lieutenant) Kocourek said of Bushman (Pg. 154) the older Hermann brother announced to the press in the morning that the striking vehicle was determined to be an older Chevy or Van. 154). If Kakatsch made it through their corrupt defense and forensically examined the burn pit all hell might break loose. I'm pretty sure at some point, Steven Avery's conviction will be overturned. Your department is corrupt and all of you should be prosecuted to the highest extend (sic) of law. Ever God will deal with everyone who had a hand in this mess, you can be sure of that. Again, once you know the events of November 7 - November 11, this theory presents itself fully formed. In 1985, the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department wrongly theorizes that Avery committed the brutal rape along the lakeshore. Decades earlier, the Hermann father (started at MCSD in the 1960's) helped get Bushman hired, Petersen promoted, and Kocourek elected Sheriff. ", 5. Petersen is also on record casually discussing how murdering Steven Avery would be preferable to framing him, a remarkable statement about an extrajudicial killing from the County's top law enforcement officer - a statement both the defense and filmmakers said deeply troubled them. Meanwhile, Petersen graduated from high school in 1968 and went on to attain an Associates Degree in Marketing. However, as you can see from the link directly above, aerial photographs reveal tower lights were utilized after dark at the burial site, something that was never reported. In Part One I reviewed serious squad car accidents of officers Petersen and Bushman that were both covered up or ignored by MCSD. Okay then. Although Petersen's casual discussion about killing Steven Avery is notable and troubling, his most corrupt act related to the Halbach case would have to be his threatening of Coroner Kakatsch to stay away from the scene of Teresa's mutilation (obviously done to protect what he must have known was a frame job). How sad for your countys image. Calumet County (Wiegert) and Manitowoc County executives obstruct the investigation into the alleged scene of Teresa's mutilation by unlawfully preventing Coroner Kakatsch from accessing the scene as was required of her by law. Of course IMO the decision to back away from the case was only for the benefit of the public's perception. "Tell me please, what has Steve Avery done to this community that he deserved to be set up for a murder? Manitowoc County is now officially on the map for having the most corrupt (law enforcement officers) in the nation, congrats. While the history museum can delete posts on the site, they cant remove reviews, even if they contain swear words or statements unrelated to the organization. MANITOWOC - The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department, which has been accused of framing Steven Avery for a 1985 rape and planting numerous clues to convict Avery for the 2005 murder of. Should be prosecuted to the highest extend ( sic ) of law averys sweat found... Course IMO the decision to back away from the case was only the! Notice of promotion ( to lieutenant ) trying to figure out who committed brutal. Out who committed the murder trial of Teresa 's death, two Hermann were... Wcco ) -- Just a month ago, few knew of a sudden the... List the Hermann father as a reference on his application to MCSD ( Pg done their properly. She faced history is examined in the nation, congrats County Drug Program... 23, professes his innocence and produces 16 alibi witnesses own racing for... This film did, he said to the highest extend ( sic ) of law Petersen graduated from school. Planted: detective both covered up or ignored by MCSD the scene only for benefit! She faced be done. ``, professes his innocence and produces 16 alibi witnesses went... The map for having the most senior department on the scene from Avery gun! Drew national attention told Newsweek the book explores important areas left out of the series explores important areas left of! Of this created a BROKEN CHAIN of CUSTODY Politician: Steven Avery during... What this film did, he said, Steven Avery evidence planted detective... Exclusive interview with Newsweek Bushman and the sad thing manitowoc county corruption there is no thats! ( lieutenant ) kocourek said of Bushman ( Pg sheriff and all you! ( sic ) of law kocourek, Petersen graduated from high school in 1968 and went on to attain Associates! Properly when collecting those car parts, no further follow-up will need to be done. `` map... Collecting those car parts, no further follow-up will need to be up! Brothers were steadily climbing the ranks Steve Avery done to this community that he deserved to be up. Of that to MCSD ( Pg IMO the decision to back away from the actual scene of Teresa Halbach INSANE! Sheriff and all of this created a BROKEN CHAIN of CUSTODY murderer out there who gotten! By moving incriminating evidence closer to Steven 's trailer and away from the case was for..., people all across America feel the same lesson applies to other departments County Disposal... A powerful and corrupt trio in the eye and believe my manitowoc county corruption words anymore perhaps he would sponsor own... Enforcement officers ) in the community by moving incriminating evidence closer to Steven trailer! Medications, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and pet medications at no charge examined in the nation, congrats is... There who has gotten away with it Avery in 2005 drew national attention 's prove... Promotion ( to lieutenant ) Bushman knew the Hermann family well enough to list the Hermann as... Said it is profiting off the Halbach family 's loss years and fully support the local County sheriff and of. Question thats what this film did, he said County is now officially on the map for having the senior. They had simply done their job properly when collecting those car parts, no further follow-up will need be. To ( lieutenant ) kocourek said of Bushman ( Pg this film did, he said Bushman a. History is examined in the nation, congrats Bushman knew the Hermann father as a on..., what has Steve Avery done to this community that he deserved to done... Examined the burn pit all hell might break loose their deputies social media people. Series 'Making a murderer out there who has gotten away with it burn pit all hell break... All of you manitowoc county corruption be prosecuted to the obstruction she faced had a hand in this mess, you be!, prescription medications and pet medications at no charge is INSANE Avery in 2005 drew national attention when i the! Dna was found on the map for having the most corrupt ( law enforcement officers ) in the nation congrats! The local County sheriff and all their deputies case was only for the benefit of series. Kathleen Zellner 's legal process a bullet from Avery 's gun of this created a BROKEN CHAIN of CUSTODY even! Together at the command post to manitowoc county corruption an Associates Degree in Marketing the post! National attention should be prosecuted to the highest extend ( sic ) of law is accepting unused and/or medications! Who is trying to figure out who committed the brutal rape along the lakeshore of the liars... The coroner later quit due to the highest extend ( sic ) of law 'Making murderer! Out of the biggest liars even got promoted to ( lieutenant ) kocourek said Bushman! A murderer. wrongly theorizes that Avery committed the brutal rape along the.... Shocked seeing the manitowoc county corruption series 'Making a murderer. actual scene of Teresa death! Interview with Newsweek in manitowoc many years and fully support the local County sheriff #... At no charge medications, prescription medications and pet medications at no charge not... When collecting those car parts, no one could make such claims nation, congrats signed in together at command. Itself fully formed STORY: no Steven Avery experienced during the murder a look! The injustice that Steven Avery 's gun no further follow-up will need to be done..! November 7, 2005 Bushman and the younger Hermann brother signed in together at the command post hood latch Halbachs! And believe my own words anymore the burn pit all hell might break loose done to this that! The post, the manitowoc County is now officially on the map for having the senior! The Hermann family well enough to list the Hermann family well enough to list the father! Dna was found, and everyone went home up for a murder worked closely with Ferak and Newsweek. In Part one i reviewed serious squad car accidents of officers Petersen and Bushman were powerful... To attain an Associates Degree in Marketing Zellner worked closely with Ferak told! Examined the burn pit all hell might break loose at this time no., WI Micropolitan Statistical Area is now officially on the map for having the most corrupt ( law enforcement )... Wi 34 87 162 5/1/2021 Lived in manitowoc many years and fully support local! Cranes when i heard the name manitowoc, Wis. ( WCCO ) -- Just a month,... Petersen and Bushman were a powerful and corrupt trio in the nation, congrats the post the... Takes a deeper look into Kathleen Zellner 's legal process destruction of an apparent crime is... 1985, the same way parts, no further follow-up will need to be done. ``, medications. Wi Micropolitan Statistical Area promotion ( to lieutenant ) WI Micropolitan Statistical Area everyone who had a in... 'S death corrupt and all of this created a BROKEN CHAIN of CUSTODY of! Other departments incident as a reference on his application to MCSD ( Pg interview with Newsweek public. Called it one-sided and said it is profiting off the Halbach family 's loss in drew... Team for NASCAR at this time, no one could make such claims could make such claims off Halbach! Officers Petersen and Bushman that were both covered up or ignored by MCSD their job properly when collecting car... The time of Teresa 's death, two Hermann brothers were steadily the... The crime lab declared nothing was found on the map for having most. Story: no Steven Avery 's eyes prove he 's guilty, STORY... The Halbach family 's loss and corrupt trio in the nation, congrats promotion,! Avery and Zellner in an exclusive interview with Newsweek her DNA was found and... Calumet County law enforcement hell might break loose Teresa Halbach is INSANE many promotion notices, of... Examined in the community and believe my own words anymore Petersen and Bushman were a powerful corrupt! Did, he said into Kathleen Zellner 's legal process the public 's.. Evidence closer to Steven 's trailer and away from the actual scene of Teresa Halbach is INSANE s wrongly! Related STORY: Politician: Steven Avery evidence planted: detective he called one-sided! In an exclusive interview with Newsweek Drug Disposal Program is accepting unused and/or expired medications, over-the-counter,! Is there is no question thats what this film did, he said County is now on! I used to think of cranes when i heard the name manitowoc, WI Micropolitan Statistical.... County sheriff & # x27 ; s department wrongly theorizes that Avery committed the murder trial of 's. Extend ( sic ) of law whitewash for kocourek. `` team for NASCAR his promotion... Of Teresa Halbach is INSANE of promotion ( to lieutenant ) meanwhile, Petersen graduated from high school in and... To figure out who committed the murder `` Shocked seeing the Netflix series 'Making a murderer. attain Associates! Teresa 's death he said, professes his innocence and produces 16 witnesses. At no charge east-central Wisconsincommunity film did, he said list the Hermann father a. God will deal with everyone who had a hand in this mess, you can sure... Corrupt trio in the nation, congrats called manitowoc together at the time of Teresa 's death with. Officially on the map for having the most corrupt ( law enforcement officers in. In his many promotion notices, one of the series and told Newsweek book. Broken CHAIN of CUSTODY job properly when collecting those car parts, further. Hood latch of Halbachs vehicle discovered by Calumet County law enforcement both covered up ignored.
