Retzlaff skips court; new bench warrant issued

Ann Retzlaff, the campground owner who faces multiple charges stemming from a police chase in May, was once again a no-show in court on Nov. 23, prompting Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr. to issue a new bench warrant compelling her to appear.

The new one was submitted as body-only, which means Retzlaff will not be able to post bail this time and will remain in jail until she makes her next appearance before the judge. Kussel had previously issued a bench warrant for Retzlaff when she did not appear for a court date in October, but the warrant had $3,500 in bonds that Retzlaff immediately paid.

Retzlaff had sent three letters the night before and the day of the court hearing stating that she would not appear. In one of the letters, Retzlaff claimed she felt she wasn’t safe in the courtroom, due to COVID-19, which drew comments from both Kussel and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kaupie, with the latter noting that COVID-19 had been an issue all over for more than 18 months.

“There was no reason to wait until 5:30 the evening before and then requesting a special accommodation if there was some underlying medical issue that was justified,” Kaupie said.

Kussel noted that the court was adhering to all the COVID-19 protocols laid out by the state, and added that anyone entering the courtroom has the option to wear a mask if they are concerned about contracting coronavirus.

“She has provided no justification that she has any kind of special need,” Kussel said.

Retzlaff has gained notoriety for being a fierce opponent of business closures and masking during the pandemic, telling the Leader and other media outlets in 2020 that she would call law enforcement if anyone entered her camp wearing a mask.

Kussel noted that in one of the letters, Retzlaff claimed the circuit court could not compel her to appear. The letter also said the previous bench warrant was invalid because it lacked a signature and that only Sheriff Adam Bieber can review and authorize warrants.

“I will not make a special appearance because there is no jurisdiction over me,” Retzlaff wrote.

Kussel asked Kaupie what he would like to do to compel Retzlaff’s appearance, and the attorney said that none of the letters were filed through proper channels and court procedures so he requested denial of all requests from Retzlaff and the bench warrant.

“I think these documents are further illustrative in that they show quite clearly … the defendant does not wish to accept or recognize the authority of Wisconsin courts, despite the fact that all of the arguments she has raised have been repeatedly addressed by the Wisconsin courts and Wisconsin Supreme Court and were rejected,” Kaupie said. “The state has absolutely no confidence that this defendant will appear in court voluntarily regardless of the amount of money imposed on the warrant.”

This is the third time Retzlaff was not at a scheduled court hearing. On Oct. 5, Retzlaff did not attend and informed the court she was ill. Kussel granted an adjournment to Oct. 26 but stipulated Retzlaff must attend in person. Retzlaff was not present on Oct. 26, prompting the judge to issue his first bench warrant.

Retzlaff is facing felony charges in Shawano County for fleeing and eluding officers and two counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety, as well as a misdemeanor count of resisting or obstructing an officer. She also faces charges through Menominee County for resisting and failing to stop.

On May 15, a Shawano County deputy heard on Menominee County radio traffic about a high-speed chase involving a vehicle registered to Retzlaff for failing to stop at a traffic light, according to the criminal complaint. The chase, starting in Keshena on state Highway 47-55, continued through the towns of Wescott and Richmond, where deputies twice laid out spike strips, and ended on state Highway 29 just west of County Road MMM.

Deputies with Shawano and Menominee counties initiated a “high-risk stop,” according to the complaint, and shut down traffic on the highway’s westbound lanes. A lieutenant advised Retzlaff to get out of the vehicle, but she allegedly said she was a “sovereign citizen” and would not exit. A deputy used a slim jim to open the passenger door, which is when Retzlaff allegedly tried to drive off, nearly hitting two Shawano County officials.

Eventually, the vehicle was stopped again, and deputies pulled Retzlaff out of her vehicle. According to the complaint, as she was being handcuffed and searched, she claimed the deputies were involved with covering up sex trafficking and said she was rescuing one of her employees from a sex trafficking house on “Crow Territory” in Menominee County.

Retzlaff has had other cases in Shawano County. In April, she had restraining orders against her for harassing Shawano County Supervisor Joe Miller and his wife, Jackie Miller. In November 2020, a guilty verdict due to a no contest plea was entered against Retzlaff for a case where she made a phone call and claimed she was a sheriff’s deputy.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com