MADISON, Wis. — A Milwaukee County inmate accused of strangling and slamming a 19-year-old woman against a wall allegedly used a county jail tablet to pressure and threaten the same victim while behind bars.

According to prosecutors, Damian Cosme-Torres contacted the victim thousands of times despite a no-contact order, including through messages sent on a jail-issued tablet. He now faces additional charges, including felony intimidation of a domestic abuse victim.

The allegations are putting renewed scrutiny on Milwaukee County’s inmate tablet program. County Executive David Crowley gave final approval to the original contract in 2022 and approved a three-year extension in 2025. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office has said tablet privileges can be revoked when inmates misuse them.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany highlighted the latest case Wednesday and questioned how many more victims would have to face alleged intimidation before county leaders take further action.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming issued the following statement:

“This is what failed leadership looks like. A domestic abuse victim was allegedly threatened by the man accused of strangling her, using a tablet provided inside David Crowley’s Milwaukee County jail system. Crowley approved this program and approved extending it. Victims should never have to fear that the person accused of abusing them can continue intimidating them from behind bars. David Crowley owes Wisconsin an explanation for how this was allowed to happen and what he is going to do to make sure it does not happen again.”

The latest allegations follow previous scrutiny of the county’s tablet system and questions over safeguards designed to prevent inmates from using the devices to harass or intimidate victims.

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