Vaun L. Mayes Taken Into Custody By Milwaukee Police Shortly After Visiting Mural Of Black Leaders And Activists For Social Justice

Milwaukee police have arrested Mayes on a warrant, according to Frank Nitty who was at the scene when police pulled over Mayes in the Northside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 29, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Vaun (Van) L. Mayes was taken into custody around 12:04 p.m. at the 5000 block of W. Center St. by Milwaukee police on a warrant, according to Frank Nitty, (birth name, Frank Sensabaugh), a local community activist and a "No Justice, No Peace" march organizer who Facebook live recorded the arrest by police. According to Nitty, Milwaukee police under Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales have been targeting and harassing local Black leaders who have been organizing recent marches in addition to being followed everyday and in one occasion have removed a license plate from Nitty's vehicle in order to stop him for questioning, Nitty alleged in the video.

Nitty including Mayes had just left a mural being painted on a wall in the Northside of himself, Mayes including other African-American leaders struggling and fighting  for social justice and accountability for bad cops who have committed illegal acts and murders of unarmed people of color.

Mayes was on bail for a frivolous federal charge of making molotovs during the unrest at the Sherman Park neighborhood area in 2016, in which feds alleged were found in a dumpster claiming the bottles belonged to Mayes. Mayes claims the bottles could have been taken from the trash can at his residence to set him up.

Nitty had two state charges for leading a peaceful march into I-794 freeway in Milwaukee, where a Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy assaulted Nitty and arrested him causing a slash wound and other injuries.

Nitty has participated in more than 26 local peaceful marches in Milwaukee and Mayes along with other local Black leaders as well.

Nitty in the video suggests that police and other people have alleged that Mayes and other Black leaders had organized a protest outside of a home where a suspected duplex was targeted by a crowd for a sex trafficking location after two Black teenage girls went missing. The home was set on fire and at least four suspects were being sought by police. Nitty and Mayes have denied the allegations of leading a crowd to that residence at 2100 block of N. 40th Street.

Nitty says that the feds and local police have been targeting the Black leadership involved in the "No Justice, No Peace" movement simply for being Black and fighting for their rights and change. For decades in Milwaukee, systematic racism and no police officer accountability existed for wrong doing when former former Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann was in office. The Milwaukee Police Department has been plagued with systematic racism for decades and continued to be prevalent during multiple police chiefs including Chief Morales today.

It wasn't until 2005, when off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer Alfonzo Glover, 35, murdered Javier Prado, 25, in cold blood. Prado an undocumented immigrant who was unarmed had been shot multiple times with a .45 Caliber handgun by Glover. 

Prado was shot at 19 times, including being shot 8 times in the back and legs with a 45 Cal., while being chased through an alley by then Officer Glover on March 6, 2005. Glover also reloaded and fired the last two shots killing Prado while he layed face down on the ground. The homicide occurred in the South side of Milwaukee.

A Milwaukee County District Attorney inquest jury found that Glover's actions had been justified. Glover testified that Prado had followed him from work and began flashing his lights at him. Glover said he stopped near S. 9th St. and W. Ohio Ave. and identified himself as a police officer. At first, Glover told the inquest jury that he noticed that Prado was reaching for a weapon. But, Prado then sped away in his van almost hitting Glover. 

Officer Glover then took out his personal weapon and began shooting at Prado. Prado crashed his van while being hit several times by bullets from Glover. Prado fled through an alley injured, bleeding and frantically screaming numerous times, "Please don't kill me...please don't kill me." Some neighbors in the area reported hearing Prado pleading for mercy.

Glover had discharged his weapon a total of 19 times, and police never found a weapon on Prado or at the scene, according to the investigation. But months later after local Latino media including reporter H. Nelson Goodson from El Conquistador Newspaper published articles to launch an independent investigation and to hold Officer Glover accountable as well as other members of the Hispanic community rallied and pressured former Milwaukee County District Attorney McCann to open the investigation, McCann finally did. The independent investigation found evidence that a homicide had occurred and on May 2006, McCann filed first-degree intentional homicide charges against Glover, despite opposition from the Milwaukee Police Association (MPA).

In his 38 years as D.A., McCann had never charged an officer with a homicide. John Balcerzak, then president of the MPA called for McCann's resignation "due to irresponsible handling of the investigation of Officer Glover."

After being booked on homicide charges, Glover posted $25,000 bail, and went home. Glover then committed suicide at his South side residence the same day he was charged. No note was ever found, according to police.

The persistent Latino media coverage of the Prado murder in 2005 and public pressure for an independent investigation was instrumental in the first ever homicide charge against a Milwaukee police officer in Milwaukee's history.

The Milwaukee Police Department released the following press release on Mayes arrest, "On Monday, June 29, 2020, the Milwaukee Police Department arrested a community activist for a felony charge related to his alleged involvement in criminal activity that occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, on the 2100 block of North 40th Street. Per MPD Standard Operating Procedures, inquiries regarding arrested adults shall be referred to the Central Booking Division or district arrest blotters. Criminal charges will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office in the upcoming days."

Dozens of supporters for Vaun Mayes began to gather in front of the Milwaukee County Jail where he was booked on Monday. The people will be staying in front of the jail until Mayes gets bailed out. Mayes is not expected for a court date until at least five days, according to reports from his supporters.

Update: Vaun Mayes was released on Tuesday just before 2p.m. According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, the felony Mayes case, which pending charges for criminal trespass to dwelling and burglary including party to a crime will remain in review and or pending that could include additional charges, if the D.A.'s Office decides to file charges in coming weeks.

The Body Of Felix Questell Discovered In A Milwaukee Home

Questell found deceased in a home.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 25, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, the body of Felix Questell, 53, was discovered at a home that he was working on. The cause of death has not been determined at this time.

The Milwaukee County Examiner's Office is investigating Questell's death.

Questell was self-employed, politically/non-politically outspoken and he was an active volunteer for the Annual Puerto Rican Festival at Humboldt Park in Milwaukee sponsored by The Puerto Rican Family Festival of Wisconsin and El Conquistador LLC.

Two Male Suspects Sought For Igniting A Van And Duplex Home On Fire In The Northside Of Milwaukee

Milwaukee police are seeking four male suspects for setting a house and van on blaze, which was video recorded by dozens of people.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 25, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) released multiple photos of four  male suspects sought for setting a van and a duplex house on fire on Tuesday. According to MPD, Milwaukee Police are requesting the public's assistance in identifying and locating subjects wanted for an arson that occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at approximately 5:05 p.m., on the 2100 block of N. 40th Street.

The first suspect is described as an African-American male, 25 - 30-years-old, thin build, light complexion and full beard. He had a birthmark on the left side of his neck. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black hooded jacket, dark pants and black sandals with black socks.

The second suspect is described as an African-American male, 16 -19-years-old, 5'09"-5'11", 240 pounds and black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans.  

The third suspect is described as an African-American male, 18 - 24-years-old, 5’09” - 5’11” and was 180 - 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black tank top, black shorts and black boots with black socks.

The fourth suspect is described as an African-American male, 30 - 35-years-old, 5’11” - 6’01”, 160 pounds and has a full beard. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a gray shirt underneath, yellow work vest, red shorts and black shoes.

The suspects intentionally started a van and house on fire, according to police.

The four suspects were among dozens of people that went to the home determined to find several female teens ages 13 and 15 that were reported missing on Monday when word got out that they were at a suspected human trafficking location in the Northside neighborhood. Police went to the home on Monday and search for the two missing girls and did not find them.

Then on Tuesday, police were called to the same home by the residents of the home indicating that multiple people were trying to break into the home.

Police responded to the home and later called for backup in order to maintain crowd control of an unruly crowd that had gathered and a confrontation between police from the MIRT Unit and crowd ignited multiple times. Police say that at least two officers were injured when bricks and pieces of concrete were thrown at them. It was also reported that several people in the crowd fired several gunshots and multiple people including several children were shot and suffered none-life threatening injuries. The shooting victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Police did not report, if anyone was taken into custody in connection with throwing bricks at police and gunshots fired in the crowd.

Police had to provide an escort for the fire department responding units to get in the location to put out the blaze after the crowd prevented the fire department trucks from reaching the burning home. One fireman was reported injured.

Neighbors had reported the targeted house as a human trafficking location for years, according to a tweet posted in the MPD Twitter account. Also, when police arrived at the home before the blaze, they escorted multiple people from the home under the cover of a blue tarp into a police van and left.

Frank Nitty, a known local Milwaukee activist and march organizer was among other people at the location who were Facebook live recording most of the incident included both suspects igniting the home.

Police later reported that the two missing female teens were found safe and the girls admitted to police that they were never at the location suspected as a human trafficking home, as family members first had suspected.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said that one of the missing girls was found safe and police were trying to locate the second missing girl and that at least 7 police officers were injured on Tuesday while responding to scene at the 2100 block of N. 40th Street and that police did used none letal force (rubber bullets) and tear gas to disperse an unruly crowd who some in the crowd were acting like vigilantes and acting on none factual information. Morales did admit that police did remove multiple individuals from the home and that police responded to the home after shots were exchanged between the residents at the home and people trying to break into the home.

Update:

Relentless Illegal Fireworks In Milwaukee's Southside And Around The City For 14-days

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Pedro Colón says that it has been 14-days "of unrelenting illegal fireworks" display in Milwaukee's Southside.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 21, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Sunday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Pedro Colón posted on his personal Facebook (FB) account that it has been 14-days of unrelenting illegal fireworks being set off in Milwaukee's Southside. Colón wrote 9n his FC account, "The 14th day of unrelenting illegal fireworks in the Southside. Complete unfettered discharges of Summerfest style Fireworks, Called the district (Milwaukee Police District Station 2) 4 times and went personally to complain. No abating the noise."

Other FB users throughout Milwaukee have also confirmed on Colón's comment thread FB post that they are experiencing illegal fireworks being set off around their neighborhoods as well.

There have been calls to police for fireworks being set off around the City. Police have responded to fireworks complaints and also to Shotspotter alerts and shots fired resulting with unable to locate complainants (it is not known, if the Shotspotter is reporting actual fireworks bangs or actual gunfire), according to Milwaukee Police Department dispatch call records.

Fireworks sparks can ignite fires in homes and garages, if ignited within the City limits.

In 2006, a Milwaukee ordinance was introduced and passed banning the sale and amateur use of fireworks in Milwaukee. 

The fine for setting off fireworks within the Milwaukee city limits can run up to $1,000.

Democratic Candidate JoAnna Bautch For The Wisconsin 8th Assembly District Convicted For Bank Theft In 2009 In Waukesha County

Bautch pleaded guilty for (Bank) business theft of less than $2,500 in 2009, which is a misdemeanor, according to court records.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 18, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - JoAnna Bautch, 31, a Democratic candidate running in the Wisconsin State 8th Assembly District race apparently was convicted in 2009 after pleading guilty to Pyramax Bank theft (theft-business setting) a misdemeanor charge of less than $2,500 and was ordered to pay $4,500 as a condition for probation, according to state court records. Bautch pleaded guilty and agreed to make restitution. She was an employee of the bank.

Bautch was sentenced to 9-months in jail in 2009, but the sentenced was stay and she was ordered to serve probation for 12-months.

Bautch applied twice with the Waukesha County Circuit Court in 2017 and 2018 to get her criminal record expunge, but was denied twice by a judge due to the fact that while on probation in 2009, she was arrested and convicted for DWI in the same year, which violated the conditions of the sentence, eventhough her probation wasn't revoked at the time, but it actually made her ineligible for expunging her record in the future, according to Waukesha County court records.

Candidate Bautch is State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa's sister. Zamarripa decided not to seek reelection for the State 8th Assembly District seat.

Bautch in her campaign website doesn't address the bank theft in 2009, but she did post that she "is also an out and proud member of the LGBTQ community."

Bautch's (JoAnna for Wisconsin campaign) in early June challenged the nomination signature papers of Candidate Enrique Murguia another Democrat and the Bautch campaign was successful in getting Murguia kicked off the August 11, 2020 Partisan Primary Election Ballot. Murguia was 3 elector nomination signatures short of the required 200 valid nomination signatures needed to get on the ballot.

So far, Bautch on June 10th received the endorsement of her sister, outgoing State Representative Zamarripa (D-Milw.) and on June 5th, Citizen Action of Wisconsin endorsed Bautch, according to the JoAnna for Wisconsin Facebook page. The LGBTQ Victory Fund also endorsed Bautch.

Not One Milwaukee Police Officer Held Accountable For Illegally Turning Over Undocumented Immigrant To U.S.ICE Rogue Agents Without Judicial Warrant In Southside Incident

The Milwaukee Police Department under Police Chief Morales including the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission have failed to hold police officers accountable when engaging in illegal acts on the field.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 17, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - So far, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission (F&PC) have failed to take any disciplinary action or to hold multiple police officers including supervisors from the Milwaukee Police District Station 2 accountable in connection with the September 23, 2019 frivolous arrest by police officers of Jose Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinoza, 38, an undocumented immigrant in the Southside of Milwaukee involving multiple rogue U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

To date, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) hasn't released any information about the outcome of the De la Cruz-Espinoza investigation into the frivilous arrest by police and ICE fiasco, in which Police Chief Morales even tried to wrongfully justify De la Cruz-Espinoza's arrest by claiming during an October 2019 F&PC hearing that ICE agents had a federal warrant for De la Cruz-Espinoza, but as it turned out, ICE didn't have a legal judicial warrant signed by a judge to arrest him instead they had a federal ICE administrative warrant signed by an ICE agent making it invalid to arrest a suspected undocumented immigrant in a private property setting such as inside a vehicle or residence.

In brief, if ICE agents on September 23, 2019 had an active federal warrant signed by a judge to take De la Cruz-Espinosa into custody, why would police actually arrest De la Cruz-Espinosa instead after contacting his Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation Officer Minerva Santiago-Gomez to revoke his probation for a prior misdemeanor conviction for carrying a conceal gun. At the time De la Cruz-Espinosa was taken into custody by police in the Southside of Milwaukee for a frivolous probation violation, he didn't have any active warrants, according to state court records.

Chief Morales in his testimony during the F&PC hearing in 2019 stated, that "The Milwaukee Police Department responded to a request for assistance from law enforcement officers from ICE on September 23, 2019. Officers assisted ICE in the apprehension of Mr. Jose De la Cruz who was in violation of probation and had an active federal warrant. Just want to clear the air, that Mr. De la Cruz has a criminal history of fire arms possession, delivery of control substance, battery, receiving stolen property, disorderly conduct and obstructing. Milwaukee police officers were able to engage in active dialogue with Mr. De la Cruz, which deescalated the situation and allowed them to take him into custody without incident."

"The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) does not engage in sweeps, there were no sweeps (immigration) in the last two years. This was assisting another law enforcement agency to make an arrest. An arrest that would have been made regardless, if you are a U.S. Citizen or not."

When police arrested De la Cruz-Espinosa, they immediately turn him over to ICE agents at the scene without any due process for the state probation violation.

Kristine De la Cruz told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that De la Cruz-Espinosa's lawyer confirmed that there was no active judicial federal warrant for her husband at the time of his arrest.

According to Ilrc dot com, "An ICE (administrative) warrant directs various federal immigration enforcement agents to arrest the person named in the warrant. Because it is not issued by a judge, an ICE warrant does not give the immigration enforcement officer the authority to demand entry to a home or private space in order to make the arrest. "ICE warrants do not generally provide a basis for a local or state law enforcement officer or agency (LEA) to arrest or detain anyone. Federal regulations allow a specific list of federal immigration agents to execute administrative immigration arrest warrants."

A video taken by members from Voces de la Frontera when the incident occurred in September 2019 showed that police nor ICE agents had warrants and De la Cruz's wife even made it clear that when ICE agents were asked to show a warrant for her husband, ICE agents refused to show a legal judicial warrant signed by a judge, simply because they had none.

Today, Police Chief Morales is up for a 6 months review by the F&PC to keep his job, but Morales lack of taking any action to discipline officers or to hold those officers and supervisors involved accountable for the De la Cruz-Espinosa incident in 2019 draws scrutiny and questions on whether Morales should continue as Chief of Police.

Tejano Legend Piano-Accordionist Beto Salinas Passed Away In Texas

Salinas was well known in the Mexican-American and Tejano social dance circles in the late 1960's to early 1970's in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 14, 2020

San Antonio, Texas - On Saturday, Roberto Estrada Salinas, "Beto Salinas", 79, passed away in San Antonio. Salinas was originally from the town of San Javier in the municipality of General Trevino, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He began to play the guitar and piano-accordion in his early life at local dance halls, cantinas (bars) including in churches. Salinas played with the duet Estrella for time and Chelelo from 1958 to 1959 before moving to the U.S.

In the 1960's to early 1970's, Salinas became very popular for his polka conjunto style of music and performed special events including at the popular Tony de la Rosa Bar in the 900 block of S. 16th Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and at the well known Latino (Mexican-American-Tejano) social epicenter dance hall known as the National Ballroom at the 600 block of W. National Ave.

Salinas along with other Mexican-American and Tejano musicians were very instrumental in keeping the polkas, rancheras and cumbias including the culture alive in those historic days where Latinos sparked the movement for civil rights, social change, equality, job opportunities, bilingual education and higher education in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.

Salinas later moved to Texas where he performed with other groups known as conjuntos. He also played with the late Steve Jordan, another conjunto legend who played Mexican-American and Tejano conjunto style of venue (polkas).

Salinas also recorded songs with Eloy Bernal, El Macho Solice, Juan Sifuentes, Armando Peña and Joe Ramos.

The Milwaukee County Board And The Milwaukee Common Council Should End The Emergency Powers Of A Few During The Coronavirus Pandemic

It seems that David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are still operating under the Emergency Powers granted during the COVID-19 pandemic leaving both the Milwaukee County Board and the Milwaukee Common Council out from sharing the power to legislate and decision making as they were elected to do by the electors.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 13, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - So far, the Emergency Powers that David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are enjoying their broad and unchallenged authority during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and it seems that there is no end to their Emergency Powers under the guise of a pandemic.

For example, in Milwaukee County, Executive Crowley, his administration and an estimated 25 department heads decide what's best for the County by leaving out the County Board from sharing power and the decision making during the Emergency Powers.

In the City of Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett, his administration and a few Department heads have sole authority to operate and do what ever they desire under the Emergency Powers.

It's time for the Milwaukee County Board and the Milwaukee Common Council to end the Emergency Powers and begin to share power to legislate and the decision making.

When the Wisconsin State Supreme Court ruled to end Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) extended "Safer at Home" restrictions on a decision of 4-3 during the COVID-19 pandemic, it allowed the option for the State legislature to share authority, legislate and participate in the decision making with the Executive Branch and put a check and balance on executive powers, which the Milwaukee County Board and the Milwaukee Common Council should follow.

Wisconsin Attorney Stephanie Rapkin Charged For Felony Battery To An Officer And Misdemeanor Hate Crime Enhancer For Spitting At Black Student During Protest In Shorewood

Rapkin who is White has been charged with felony battery to a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancer after spitting at a Black student during a protest.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 12, 2020

Shorewood, Wisconsin - On Friday,  Stephanie Rapkin, 64, a White female attorney has been charged with one felony count for battery to a law enforcement officer and one count for misdemeanor of disorderly conduct with an enhancer of a hate crime in connection with the June 6th incident where Rapkin was video recorded as she intentionally spat at a Black student during a protest in Shorewood. Rapkin had parked her vehicle in a manner to intentionally block a peaceful protest "No Justice, No Peace" seeking justice for George Floyd from Minneapolis and other victims of color murdered by police from Milwaukee.  The protest was stopped by Rapkin's vehicle and couldn't temporarily continue through and when she was asked by protesters to move her vehicle, she spat at the face of Eric Lucas, 16, an African-American student.

Rapkin was later taken into custody and the next day, Rapkin shoved another person after she confronted protesters in the front public sidewalk of her house for drawing messages with chalk. When police went to arrest Rapkin at her home, she struck a Shorewood police officer in the groin with her knee.

If convicted, Rapkin is facing up to 9 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and with the added enhancer of a hate crime, the penalty is 1 year in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, and up to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines for battery to a law enforcement officer.

8th Assembly District Candidate Enrique Murguia (D) Won't Appear On The Wisconsin Partisan Primary Ballot In August

Murguia unfortunately came 3 elector nomination signatures short from 200 signatures required to get on the Partisan Primary Election Ballot in August.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 9, 2020

Madison, Wisconsin - On Thursday, the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) ruled that Enrique Murguia, the Democratic candidate for the Wisconsin 8th Assembly District won't get on the Partisan Primary Election Ballot in August simply because he failed to get at least three valid elector nomination signatures needed to get a spot on the ballot and according to the WEC, he came short from getting the total of 200 valid signatures required to get on the ballot. Murguia had a total of 197 valid nomination signatures, according to the WEC.

Murguia had turned in 253 nomination signatures, plus 6 signatures and 62 of those signatures were from the 9th Assembly District making them invalid after Jackson Weber, the manager for the JoAnna (JoAnna Bautch (D)) for Wisconsin campaign challenged Murguia's nomination signatures.

Candidate Bautch is State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa's sister. Zamarripa decided not to seek reelection for the State 8th Assembly District seat.

According to JoAnna's campaign page, it says, "JoAnna is also an out and proud member of the LGBTQ community."

So far, the WEC approved the following candidates to be on the Partisan Primary Election ballot in the State Assembly 8th District, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D), JoAnna Bautch (D), Angel J. Sanchez (R) and Ruben Velez (R). The highest vote getter in the Primary Election for each partisan political party will face off in the General Election in November.

In the 9th Wisconsin State Assembly District, the following candidates were approved to be in the August Partisan Election, Incumbent Marisabel Cabrera (D) and Christian Saldivar (D). Veronica Diaz, the only Republican on the ballot in the 9th Assembly District will face off the democrat that prevails in the Primary Election, in the November General Election.

Update: On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) unanimously voted to keep Democratic candidate Enrique Murguia off the ballot due to only having 197 valid signatures and he failed to submit the required minimum of 200 elector signatures.

The Election Commissioners gave Murguia an opportunity to removed his challenge to stay on the ballot because his testimony indicated that certain addresses in his nomination papers that he collected were actually located on the 8th Assembly District, but an address verification check by the WEC indicated that Murguia was not telling the truth and he would be "digging a hole" for possible charges for making false statements, if he continued with the challenge. Murguia decided to withdraw his challenge to stay on the ballot.

Fernando R. Salinas Charged With Reckless Homicide Of A Unborn Child In Hit-and-run Crash Resulting In Death

Salinas is facing more than 132 years in prison, if convicted for multiple felony charges including reckless homicide of an unborn child in a hit-and-run vehicle crash.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 9, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, Fernando R. Salinas, 40, was charged with multiple felony counts,  one count of first-degree reckless homicide of a unborn child, one count for first-degree reckless injury, one count for operator of a vehicle flee/elude an officer causing great bodily harm, one count of hit-and-run causing great bodily harm, one count for possession of a firearm by a felon and one count for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. If convicted on all counts, Salinas is facing up to 132 years and 6 months in prison and up to $210,000 in fines. A $75,000 cash bail was set for Salinas.

Salinas is scheduled to appear for a Milwaukee County Circuit Court preliminary hearing on June 12.

According to the criminal complaint, Salinas struck another vehicle while being pursuit by police on June 1, 2020 at 5:54p.m. in the 2700 block of Highland Blvd. Salinas failed to stop after the accident and fled. A female in the other vehicle was injured and her unborn child died.

When Salinas was taken into custody, police recovered a firearmed and drugs in his possession.

Milwaukee Grass Roots Organizing By Frank Nitty, Khalil Coleman And Vaun Mayes Have Ignited Local Protests For Social Justice And Reform

Mayes says that Milwaukee local protests with continue until public elected officials are able to act on their demands for social justice and change.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 8, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Sunday, Vaun Mayes, a local African-American activist posted a Facebook video confirming that he was the first to call for action in Milwaukee to protest the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin and three other cops involved and that Khalil Coleman then led the organizing of protests with Frank Nitty (birth name, Frank Sensabaugh), two local African-American activists that have had a history of fighting for social justice and equality for the African-American community, and who have stood against police brutality and the murders of unarmed Black civilians by police. Mayes also mentioned Tory Lowe another local African-American activist involved as well in the protests.

Mayes says that other individuals including unions have organized protests, but the organized peaceful protests and marches organized and led by Coleman and Nitty continue to focus on police brutality and calling for justice, reform and accountability of police officers involved in the murder of unarmed civilians of color.

The three main groups that are involved in the organizing of local protests are the New Milwaukee Group, ComForce MKE and the People's Movement, according to Mayes.

Mayes says that the protests and marches will continue until local, county and state public elected officials, including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett adopt the following demands for reform posted at the following link https://bit.ly/2AQdE53 proposed by ComForce MKE (Community Task Force MKE).

ComForce MKE on Monday released an updated list of demands.

The members of ComForce MKE are committed to the advancement of equity, dignity and human rights for all. Since our formation we have always supported building community and engaging in programs in parks and public spaces that prevent violence and crime. We are a grassroots coalition of

community/resident/youth leaders, activists, faith based orgs, electeds, and others

striving toward peace, unity, and progress in Milwaukee.

All of our members are committed to the elimination of police brutality and racial

discrimination. At our roots we have always been ready, willing and able to rise up in the face of injustice. 

We are grieving the loss of George Floyd, but we are also grieving the many Black and

Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) killed across the nation and right here in Milwaukee at the hands of police.

Some of the demands are as follows:

African-American Roundtable MKE (AART) & Black Leaders Organizing

Communities (BLOC)

• Community investment:

A $75 million divestment from the Milwaukee Police

Department and reinvestment into building healthy communities that can thrive.

In accordance, $50 million must be allocated to fund public health and $25 million to housing cooperatives.

• The rights of protestors are respected and no harm comes to them:

Governor Tony Evers must withdraw the National Guard from Milwaukee. Mayor Tom Barrett must end the 9 p.m. city-wide curfew. The Milwaukee Police Department must stop shooting rubber bullets and using teargas on protestors. City and County officials must release all arrested protestors, and revoke curfew fines and tickets.

• Justice for Joel Acevedo:

Officer Mattioli must be terminated from the Milwaukee Police Department immediately and criminally charged for the murder of Mr. Acevedo. In addition, the three named accomplices must also be held accountable by law and also brought to justice.

• FPC be the voice of the community:

The Fire and Police Commission must remain the lead investigator on the internal investigation involving police officer Michael Mattioli. The Fire and Police Commission is an extension of the community; its role is to represent the interests of Milwaukee residents. Community voices must be given precedence in the six month review process of Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

• Accountability to the community:

Common Council President Cavalier Johnson must immediately appoint community members to the Community Collaborative Committee.

• Instead of an Executive Order to Activate the National Guard, the Governor & County Executive Should Provide Safeguards to Black communities during COVID-19 pandemic.

• Housing:

Implement a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, rent, mortgages, and utility disconnections for Milwaukee County residents through the end of 2020.

• Healthcare:

Declaration of racism in the state of Wisconsin as a public health crisis. Public health services must be expanded to ensure Milwaukee County residents have access to affordable healthcare.

Office of Violence Prevention (OVP)

• Continue regular trainings in areas of crisis intervention, fair/impartial policing, and procedural justice

• Share data with grassroot and community-based orgs that service the community

for sustainable violence prevention efforts.

• Become more acclimated and supportive of language within Blueprint for Peace

• Conduct regular reviews od incidents of violence in coordination with public health, hospital, and community partners

• Conduct regular community town hall meetings which support community input

on public safety in neighborhood

Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)

Instead of an Executive Order to call in the National Guard, we urge Governor Evers,

County Executive Crowley, and Mayor Barrett to all issue emergency orders to support Black lives and dismantle racist practices in all our institutions they have authority over:

1. Declare racism a statewide emergency with the same force and resources of the National Guard

2. Remove all police and policing resources from our neighborhoods and schools immediately

a. Shift 25% from Milwaukee city police, county sheriff, and state police budgets to public health equity efforts focused on Black and Brown residents.

b. Cut all policing resources from Milwaukee Public Schools and shift the $16 million budget to hire more counselors and mental health professionals for Black and Brown students

3. Demilitarize our streets and stop accepting Federal surplus of military weapons

4. Allocate emergency and permanent resources to invest in Black and Brown lives like counseling, strengthening our schools, replacing our lead pipes, and rebuilding our Black and Brown businesses.

5. Audit all government institutions to identify racist practices and deliver a comprehensive plan to address the problem.

Our Demands:

We need our legislators to back the people across this nation in drafting and co-sponsoring the following laws, policies and procedures.

A Red Flag System

The officer who killed George Floyd had 20 former complaints. This is typical of officers who end up escalating behavior that gets hidden off in personnel files. If officers get too many of or certain complaints that officer needs to come under review and up for firing/suspensions due to the complaint and findings Intervention/Deescalation Policing should be about de-escalation. Comprehensive mental health assessment and training must be provided by the police department. Any officer who escalates a situation unnecessarily, especially if it leads to excessive force, injury, or death, should face automatic firing and possible charges. Any officer should be able to override or intervene to de-escalate a situation if they see a fellow officer overreacting or being irate/violent unnecessarily. Any officer who does NOT intervene in any incident that results in injury, violence, or death should also be held accountable, face firing, and or possible charges.

Misconduct in Office

This is an enforceable law on the books currently, yet it is almost NEVER used. Why is that? It is an automatic felony that would help strengthen prosecution.

Good Samaritan Law

Citizens should be able to enact this clause of power if an officer is unnecessarily harming a citizen. Intervention should lead to de-escalation. This can also be amended into the citizens arrest law where citizens can invoke the right to intervene and detain/deter an arrest until another or superior officer arrives in the spirit of de-escalating the situation and applying less force.

Racism

Any officer found to use, participate in, or employ racist rhetoric, language, or perform

with a racist bias on duty should face immediate firing. This includes social media

comments, posts, etc, especially if that officer works in any area that is predominantly

preoccupied by another race of people they have clear bias or prejudice against.

Funding/Pensions

Districts/stations that have alarming numbers of complaints should be in jeopardy of losing funding from city, state, and federal funders. Currently, we have tens to hundreds of millions of lawsuit payouts occurring yearly. These should start affecting their budgets and funding, and possibly even their pensions. Officers need actual reprimand that will affect them as encouragement and incentive to act professionally and humanely.

• Executive Branch:

Provide citizens with protective rights to intervene with law enforcement when suspects are detained with excessive force.

Digitize a nationalized law enforcement complaint registry, complaints against law enforcement officers should be easy to view/track, citizens should be able to digitally file reports, upload images/footage etc. much like the BBB

• Judicial System:

Expunge arrest records of non-violent felons to allow them to re-enter the workforce and further stimulate our working economy

Until the justice system is able to guarantee that all members of the judicial system have not been recorded as racially biased or discriminatory, reduce all crimes committed by BIPOC to half than that of whites.

• Financial Institutions:

Provide credit score modifications (normalizations) to African-Americans

given the severe impact of poverty and historic poverty within our communities.

• Municipal Government:

Immediately erect a committee to eradicate the lead water issue completely and declare it a public health crisis within predominantly African-American communities.

• Education System:

Educate African-American students on past, current and potential future civil rights laws. Proficiency in said rights and laws are required prior to them being subject to any judiciary system.

Looters Are Not Peaceful Protesters, They're The Organized Criminal Element That Creates Havoc In Communities During The Unrest For Social Justice

Milwaukee police seems to be targeting peaceful protesters instead of the looters that create havoc during the recent unrest and protests for social justice seeking accountability for rogue cops that commit illegal acts while wearing a badge.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 7, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On early Sunday, dozens of vehicles carrying looters struck the Cesar E. Chavez Drive business district. The looters just after 2:00 a.m. targeted the U.S. Cellular store and other businesses in the 1200 block of S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive. 

Multiple witnesses say that a looter in Black clothing fired multiple shots at the front door of the U.S. Cellular store and numerous looters entered the store and stole items.

An individual who went to the cellular store just before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday while Alderman Jose G. Perez was near by found several 9mm spent cartridges in the sidewalk just outside and in front of the cellular store. According to the individual who didn't want to be identified, he confirmed that the cellular store experienced a "smash and grab" in which items and cellphones were taken by the looters.

Police officers who responded to the looting at U.S. Cellular store around 2:00 a.m apparently failed to investigate thoroughly and recover the 9mm spent cartridges that were found at least 12 hours after the shooting first occurred targeting the store.

A witness also stated, that the looter who shot at the front glass door of the store appeared to have an extended handgun magazine.

Vehicles were seen driving over the sidewalks on early Sunday on Chavez Drive, also looters were seen drinking beer, passing opened liquor bottles to each other, smoking marijuana and in one incident, a Black female seating in a hood of a dark SUV was thrown from the vehicle in the adjacent parking lot of the U.S. Cellular store, according to a witness. The Black female sustained injuries to her leg.

The looters creating havoc around Milwaukee are not peaceful protesters seeking social justice, they're definitely the organized criminal element taking advantage of the unrest and peaceful protests. The looters communicate and organize looting incidents by social media.

The looters do take advantage to commit their criminal acts knowing that police are targeting peaceful protesters instead of the criminal element during the unrest.

Milwaukee riot police have shot rubber bullets and tear gas at peaceful protesters during multiple incidents caught by the mainstream news media, but have failed to prevent looters from engaging in further looting.

The Milwaukee Police Department hasn't released any stats about how many looters have been arrested and charged for looting, since the unrest began.

Police should target the looters instead of wasting valuable resources, while shooting rubber bullets and tear gas at peaceful protesters.

Milwaukee police released the following propaganda video attempting to justify targeting peaceful protesters and shooting at them with rubber bullets and tear gas. 

Wisconsin 8th Assembly District Candidate Enrique Murguia (D) Collected 63 Elector Nomination Signatures From The 9th District, Filed Complaint Alleged

The manager for the JoAnna For Wisconsin campaign alleged that Democratic candidate Enrique Murguia actually obtained at least 63 elector nomination signatures to be placed on the ballot from the Wisconsin State Assembly District 9 and not from the 8th Assembly District, which he is running to fill the seat recently vacated by JoCasta Zamarripa (D) who decided not to run for reelection. Candidates need 200 valid elector nomination signatures to get on the August Partisan Primary Election ballot.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 5, 2020

Madison, Wisconsin - On Thursday, Jackson Weber, the campaign manager for the JoAnna for Wisconsin (Democratic candidate JoAnna Bautch) in the Wisconsin State Assembly 8th District filed a election complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) claiming that Enrique Murguia, Democratic candidate in the Wisconsin State Assembly 8th District collected at least 63 elector nomination signatures from the 9th Assembly District and not from the 8th Assembly District, thus making those signatures ineligible to place him on the ballot for the August 11, 2020 Partisan Primary Election. Weber also claimed that 13 other electors either failed to sign their complete names and to enter date when signed and in one case, an elector signed Murguia's nomination paper after Murguia, the circulator signed the nomination paper as the circulator.

Murguia turned in at least 253 nomination signatures to get on the ballot for the Partisan Primary Election in August. If Weber prevails in his complaint against Murguia and the WEC agrees with Weber, Murguia will not be on the ballot in August.

Candidate Bautch is State Representative Zamarripa's sister.

So far, the WEC approved the following candidates to be on the Partisan Primary Election ballot in the State Assembly 8th District, Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D), JoAnna Bautch (D), Enrique Murguia (D), Angel J. Sanchez (R) and Ruben Velez (R). The highest vote getter in the Primary Election for each partisan political party will face off in the General Election in November. 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has also noticed that Republican MAGA (Make America Great Again/Keep America Great) candidate Ruben Velez submitted 382 nomination signatures, which 2/3's of the totaled elector signatures were collected by known MAGA enthusiast Mario Herrera, who is the former Hispanic Outreach Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin and who in August 2019 helped create a fake Latino MAGA Facebook page with Dawn Maldonado, aka, "Damaris Perez" to target non-MAGA Latino community members in Milwaukee with Nazi propaganda and fake allegations.

In the 9th Wisconsin State Assembly District, the following candidates were approved to be in the August Partisan Election, Incumbent Marisabel Cabrera (D) and Christian Saldivar (D). Veronica Diaz, the only Republican on the ballot in the 9th Assembly District will face off the democrat that prevails in the Primary Election, in the November General Election.

Four Former Minneapolis Cops Charged In Connection With The Murder Of George Floyd

All four former Minneapolis cops have been charged with the murder of a Black man during an arrest.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 4, 2020

Minneapolis, MN - On Wednesday, state prosecutors charged former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, 34, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Thomas Lane, 37, each with aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony, and with aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence in connection with the murder of George Floyd, 46, an African-American on May 25th, Memorial Day. Both charges are categorized as "unintentional" felonies under Minnesota state law. The three ex-cops were booked at the Hennepin County jail on Wednesday and bail was set at $1M. If convicted, Thao, Kueng and Lane are facing up to 10 years in prison.

Also, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, who was arrested four days after Floyd's homicide had his charged amended to second-degree murder, in addition to the original charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence, according to the criminal complaint. Chauvin was video recorded by a witness holding his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes contributing to Floyd's death. If convicted, Chauvin is facing up to more than 60 years in prison for both murder charges. Chauvin's bail was set at $1M.

Chauvin was moved to a maximum security prison after being booked for murder. 

Floyd was accused of trying to purchase cigarettes with a $20 counterfeit bill.

The Floyd homicide sparked protests for justice in Minneapolis and throughout the U.S., since Memorial Day. Thao is Hmong and Kueng, Lane and Chauvin are White.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Floyd's death a homicide caused by "a cardiopulmonary arrest while being restrained" by officers who had subjected Floyd to "subdual" and "neck compression". It noted other "significant conditions": arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, fentanyl intoxication, and recent methamphetamine use. Also an independent autopsy ruled Floyd's death a homicide by asphyxia due to compression of the neck", which affects the "blood flow and oxygen going into the brain".

Law Enforcement Officers Don't Wear Large Identifying Numbers Other Than A Police Tag In Riot Gear To Be Identified By Citizens When Engaging In Illegal Acts During Protests

Milwaukee police, the Milwaukee County Sheriff deputies including other law enforcement officers in Wisconsin participating in crowd control and protests don't wear large numbers and letters in their riot gear other than a police tag, so citizens can't be able to identify rogue cops that engage in illegal acts and abuse of authority during protests.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 2, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - During recent protests in Wisconsin including in the City of Milwaukee, the public have noticed that Milwaukee police officers, the Milwaukee County Sheriff deputies including other law enforcement officers participating in protests and crowd control don't wear any type of large numbers and letters other than a police tag in their riot gear, so they can't be identified by citizens when individual rogue officers commit or engage in illegal acts and abuse of authority during protests.

All police officers and law enforcement should wear large identifying numbers and particular letters in their riot gear, so citizens can be able to identify an individual officer who engages in an illegal act. Officers are not above the law, but are public servants paid by taxpayers and citizens should be able to identify any rogue officers that are abusing his or her authority. 

Many police officers and sheriff deputies including other law enforcement officers do have integrity, are very professional as well when dealing with the public and do follow the law and should be acknowledged for it, but there are always a few racist rogue cops that abuse their authority and do commit illegal acts, which then reflects on all of the officers during protests and other incidents.

Today, the Milwaukee Police Department nor the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department have a mandatory Standard Operating Procedure requiring all officers and deputies participating in protests and crowd control to wear clear identifying numbers and letters for cirisens to identify and make it easier to locate a rogue officer or a sheriff deputy accused of an illegal act during a protest and crowd control.

Citizens should demand for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission and the Milwaukee County Board including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas to support a policy change that would allow the placement of large individual identifying numbers and letters on riot gear other than just a police tag that each officer wears during protests as one of the many steps to acquire accountability from law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin.

In many cases, cops that commit illegal acts are not held accountable or terminated by a law enforcement agency, but are placed back on duty. 

That's one of the reasons that the protests around the country have ignited due to a lack of accountability. 

In the case of the cold blood murder of George Floyd, 46, an African-American by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, 44, including Officers Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng that ignited recent protests for justice in Minneapolis and around the U.S. Chauvin was taken into custody four days after the Floyd murder and charged with two felony counts for third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin, Lane, Thao and Kueng were fired. Lane, Thao and Kueng have yet to be charged with Floyd's murder.

Here's an example where police officers have engaged in illegal acts and abuse of authority with no accountability.

In Milwaukee: On Sunday, Milwaukee County Supervisor Ryan Clancy was taken into custody by Milwaukee police while at a protest past curfew, but public elected officials were exempt from being arrested for violating the 9:00 p.m. City curfew. Clancy identified himself as a Milwaukee County Supervisor to police officers to no avail and was arrested.

Clancy might have been also exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to detention close proximity with others that were detained. Supervisor Clancy will most likely be in self-quarantine for the next two weeks.

Supervisor Clancy released the following statement, "On Sunday, I was arrested near an event with a similar message, similarly peaceful behavior, but with a disproportionately violent response from law enforcement. During that arrest, which disproportionally targeted Black residents, the Milwaukee Police Department detained us in poorly-ventilated vans, buses and holding areas. They refused multiple requests from individuals both to be able to distance from each other and to be provided with personal protective equipment. Nearly zero of the arresting or processing officers even wore masks."

Clancy has filed an official complaint with the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission against Milwaukee police who arrested him on Sunday.

Other incidents reported by the mainstream media: Examples of illegal acts that were exposed in multiple states, it's time to hold rogue cops accountable and to terminate them as well. https://nbcnews.to/3gHeIZi