Cash Bond Set For Retzlaff

SHAWANO, WI- A former Shawano County campground owner, who has been wanted by law enforcement for quite some time, is being held in custody on a large cash bond. Judge Michael Moran ordered a cash bond in the amount of $56,000 for three different cases against Ann Retzlaff. The amount ordered was in addition to the $16,000 that Retzlaff has already paid previously.

Retzlaff was the subject of this week’s Wanted Wednesday Facebook Post by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office. After more than 800 social media shares, Sheriff officials said they received information about her whereabouts in Oconto County and was arrested near the Lena area on Wednesday.

In Court on Thursday, District Attorney Greg Parker asked for $31,000 dollars total, but Judge Moran thought more was needed.

“I think a more substantial cash bond is required,” he said. “I think that that amount of cash is required to make sure she appears in court when she is supposed to and that she follows the bond conditions.”

Prior to the decision, Michael Hughes, the defense attorney, asked for a signature bond. “It would not matter how much cash is ordered, she would not be able to post it.” He added that a signature bond would still keep her in custody due to the fact that there is a warrant in Sauk County that needs to be addressed. It was also argued that Retzlaff has been somewhat complaint with the courts. “We know Ms. Retzlaff has a disagreement with the legal paradigms that seem to be in play, but we understand that Ms. Retzlaff has been quite compliant with court orders.” Hughes noted that is has not been perfect compliance, but it was not completely ignoring the orders of the court.

Judge Moran did not agree with that statement, stating that Retzlaff violated many court orders. “She did request to go visit a daughter out of state and was ordered to return at a specific time, she did not return physically at that time, so she was non-compliant with conditions of bond.” He added that he ordered her to appear in court, but she tried to appear by zoom instead. “No, it is not a complete lack of following the bond, but it is darn close,” Judge Moran said. “This court has tried to be as fair on bond with Ms. Retzlaff as the court can be.” He added that she made no attempt to appear on her bond or surrender herself to any authorities. Judge Moran also referenced additional charges that are pending in Sauk County.

Those charges include five felony counts of criminal slander of title and two felony counts of bail jumping. According to the complaint, she filed improper liens against those involved in the foreclosure of her campground. The complaint lists it as an act of retaliation.

The judge issued a $50,000 cash bond in addition to the $15,000 that Retzlaff already posted for charges including eluding and officer, 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety and obstructing an officer, all related to an incident that took place in May of 2021. The judge also ordered a $5,000 cash bond for charges of disorderly conduct and bail jumping stemming from April 2022 and a $1,000 cash bond in addition to the $1,000 already posted for charges of resisting an officer in May of 2021.

In the original case, Retzlaff was stopped at a traffic light on May 15, 2021, but she did not pull over. According to the complaint, when the officer advised her to get out of the vehicle she stated she did not do anything wrong, and she was being wrongfully stopped. She stated she is a sovereign citizen and will not step out of the vehicle,” the complaint states. It was also reported that Retzlaff tried to drive away and two deputies were nearly hit.

After being stopped a second time, officers had to break the drivers window and remove Retzlaff from the vehicle.

Retzlaff was later arrested again for not showing up in court and acquired additional charges for being confrontational with officers. Additional charges were added in December when Retzlaff allegedly left Wisconsin without getting permission from the court.

Judge Moran also asked for a trial date to be set by the end of the week.

Click Below to Listen To Part of Judge Moran’s decision