SHAWANO, WI- A former campground owner who is facing multiple charges in Shawano County was in court Monday, on a motion to get permission from the court to leave Sauk County to go on vacation over the holidays.
“She wants to take her three teenage children and travel with them out of state for winter break,” her attorney told the court.
The plan is to be gone from December 8 through January 3, 2023.
District Attorney Greg Parker stated that he objected to the motion due to Retzlaff’s history of failing to appear in court and that she remains a risk for flight.
“She is still engaging in Sovereign Citizen type behavior,” Parker said. He noted that new developments included his office receiving a notice of a lean against one of the circuit court judges as well as the Shawano County Corporate Counsel office.
District Attorney Parker also revealed to the court that they received information from the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, where Retzlaff is currently residing, that they are investigating a matter where they received information that Retzlaff may have made contact with someone, asking them to take her to Gary, Indiana.
Parker told the court that they sent a photo of Retzlaff to both the Sheriff’s office and the other party involved and the identification was confirmed by both. Parker said that Sauk County continues to investigate. He also said that if that investigation confirms that alleged activity, they would be filing bail jumping charges.
Retzlaff’s attorney Michael Hughes spoke on her behalf and said “Sovereign Citizen” type behavior should not have a baring on if she should be allowed to go on vacation. He also said since no actual finding has been made from the alleged activity in Sauk County, it should not be taken into consideration. He also argued that Retzlaff asking for permission to leave instead of just leaving on her own shows that she respects the courts jurisdiction.
“We know that mental health is important and it is good to get away from home, especially this time of year, and spending time with family is important,” Hughes argued.
Judge Michael Moran said he agreed with that and granted permission for Retzlaff to leave between December 8 and January 3, as long as the court is provided with an itinerary of where she will be and when. “Only then, will I sign this,” Moran said. He said the fact that Retzlaff has a lot to lose by not returning should serve as a deterrent. “All or some of her bond money could be forfeited, which would make it highly unlikely for her to get out of jail and since the bond money is being used to pay for her attorney, she could also lose her legal counsel if that money is forfeited.”
Retzlaff did not inform the court during the hearing where she was intending on going.
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