Waukesha, WI – Legislators from the Waukesha area met with Sheriff Eric Severson on Thursday morning to discuss bail reform and community safety.
On Sunday, Nov. 21st, Darrell Brooks Jr. allegedly drove his SUV through the Waukesha Holiday Parade while out on an unreasonably low bail. Six people were killed, and more than 60 were injured. On Nov. 5th, a Milwaukee Court Commissioner set bail at just $1,000 in a case where Brooks is alleged to have run over a female victim.
Over the past several years, southeastern Wisconsin has seen an increase in criminal activity. This coincides with multiple examples of violent, repeat offenders being released into the community with low bail.
Sheriff Severson invited legislators to discuss policies to prevent Wisconsin communities from career criminals, including bail reform, the backlog of criminal cases, and mental health issues.
The following members of the Waukesha Legislative Caucus met with Schreiff Severson (from left to right): Rep. Cody Horlacher; Rep. Barb Dittrich; Sen. Julian Bradley; Rep. Sara Rodriguez; Rep. Janel Brandtjen; Sheriff Eric Severson; Rep. Cindi Duchow; Rep. Scott Allen; Rep. Adam Neylon; and Rep. Chuck Wichgers.