Tag Archives: book publishing

Unrelenting Journey of Hope…

October 2nd; International Wrongful Conviction Day.

A fitting day to acknowledge the importance of my mission on behalf of six innocent men; Michael Piaskowski, Keith Kutska, Reynold Moore, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten, and Michael Johnson.

As the menacing COVID variants have impacted my ability to fully promote this edition, my stance as an unrelenting advocate has not been thwarted!

Encouraging sales have taken place. Amazing feedback has been forthcoming. But I’m not one who embraces inactivity for very long. Like the virus this journey of hope, lending a voice to the silenced, and rousing real change, knows no boundaries. Time is of the essence!

I’ve been gifted with the following opportunities by gracious associates who strongly support this mission of justice:

In-person interview as part of the “Speaking of Authors” series in Edina, MN.

Over-the-phone interview via Kirk House Publishers:

Participation in the Rosemount Country Faire in Rosemount, MN.

Mike and I at Rosemount County Faire on Sept. 25, 2021. Photo courtesy of Ann Aubitz

On October 28, 2021, for the second year in a row, I will speak virtually with Sociology students at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.

Thanks to dear friends, Lynn Moller and Nina Bingham, for wonderful second edition (5 star) reviews recently posted on Amazon:

A Passion to Correct an Injustice

“What can I do? That’s a question we often ask when confronted with unfair situations; however, we may feel powerless or unqualified to take action. Joan Treppa, horrified at the circumstances of the Monfils case, sprang into action. She had no legal experience, but felt compelled to do what she could. And what a difference her involvement has made in this case, as well as calling attention to the travesty of wrongful convictions. This book is easy to read and Joan’s story is relatable and inspiring. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of drama, frustration, sadness, highs and lows, and hope, infused with bits of humor along the way. It is refreshing to hear a voice from an average person advocating for awareness and change of our not-so-perfect criminal justice system.” – Lynn Moller

Joan Treppa is the Erin Brockovich of the Criminal Justice System

“I first met Joan Treppa on my Facebook page. I asked her some questions about this criminal case she’d been raising awareness of. She was working at the time as an advocate on behalf of a non-profit that represented the wrongly imprisoned. I’d never taken an interest in this subject before I met Joan, but she was so passionate about it that I wanted to learn more. As she told me her story, how she began a one-woman crusade to fight wrongful imprisonments, I assumed she must have a loved one incarcerated. I was surprised to find that she didn’t. But she is such a compassionate person that she has dedicated her life to finding justice for prisoners who wouldn’t have a voice without her. I invited her on my radio show as a guest so she could tell her story. I called her the Erin Brockovich of the criminal justice system; the Joan of Arc of prisoners (her name is Joan, after all). I was so pleased to see her book, Reclaiming Lives, had found a publisher and an audience, and winning awards. It is truly inspiring to see a person so committed to lifting others out of darkness! She challenges us all to be our best through her advocacy work, and her writing. 5 stars!” – Devi Nina Bingham

I continue to connect with individuals/venues to further the goal of freeing all six men whose innocence is irrefutable.

Copies can be ordered through my website via Paypal

Through my publisher

These and other local booksellers can special order copies of my book:

(Minneapolis) Once Upon A Crime

(Stillwater)  Valley Bookseller

On Amazon

Take care. Stay safe. And thanks for your past support!

Raising the Bar: Continued Commitment toward Justice!

When I discuss this case with others which, to be honest, happens quite often, I get asked if there was ever a moment (during this 13-year journey) when I wondered if the six men convicted of a heinous murder could be guilty. My response is always the same. “Absolutely not!”

On the contrary, I have never seen or heard anything that has convinced me that they are guilty or that a crime was even committed. There is always the concern that I could be jaded, that maybe I’ve held this belief for so long that nothing could possibly sway my opinion now. But I also know that I’m not the only one who explicitly believes that all of these men are innocent. Former law enforcement officials, seasoned lawyers, and other professionals who know better than I who have pursued justice in this case also hold this belief. My concern then becomes; maybe I haven’t done my part in conveying the damning evidence of innocence in this case. Well, this is certainly not due to a lack of trying.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce my latest endeavor—a second edition of Reclaiming Lives. This book is the (almost) complete story from the day I became involved through to events and exciting new developments of the most recent years. I call it my Pandemic Project which helped me to stay sane during the past year.

Those of you who have read my first book know how this story began for me:

“In a phone conversation with my sister, Clare, during the summer of 2009 prior to meeting John, she had described someone she’d met recently. “He’s an author and researcher named John Gaie,” she said. “We met at a place called The Lorelei. And get this—he told me I look like his mother.”

Our laughter faded as Clare described her relationship with John. Both of them, longtime residents of Green Bay, had been dating a few weeks when Clare suggested bringing John to Minnesota to meet Mike and me. She was anxious for us to learn about a project that he was working on. “John is researching a true-crime story I’m familiar with,” she said. “He’s collaborating with two other people on a book about six men who were convicted of murder in 1995, right here in Green Bay. John says it will be published soon.”

This 2017 version ends on the final day of the 2015 evidentiary hearing for Keith Kutska. And what happened after that was anyone’s guess.

My newest book-a revised version-begins in the same way as the first book, but then continues on at the exact moment where that story ends, to create a more complete story. I feel this new version is superior to the first with better writing/editing, added details, and finally, a deeper insight into who the six men are.

Below are a few new passages to summon your curiosity:

“A cloud of doom lingered as we slowly filed out of the courtroom on that last day. In contrast, hastening past us toward the exit, tightly clutching his briefcase as though he was late for his next appointment, was the current DA, David Lasee. It reminded me of the similar manner in which his father, Larry Lasee, who incidentally had been the assistant DA during the Monfils case, had exited the courtroom following Mario Victoria Vasquez’s exoneration hearing. As I watched, I supposed his unwillingness to undermine his father’s position on the original outcome of this case took precedence over allowing the truth to guide his conscience.”

“Although our legal team had followed the rule of law and had presented considerable facts supportive of the suicide theory, this post-conviction phase had ultimately failed. It was indicative of why our courts have also failed the many innocent people who dare to file petitions in an effort to gain their own deserved freedom. However, in many respects, we were not exactly hurled back to square one. While we had done our absolute best, and as justice continued to elude us in the months and years that followed, we remained steadfast in our refusal to succumb to absolute defeat. We would never give up hope completely. And we were certainly not about to allow this chapter to dictate the ending of an ardent journey. We would regroup and carry on with the same tenacity and shrewdness as before. A newly completed project of mine was about to take center stage and exacerbate an already contentious situation. At least I hoped it would.”

My publisher is also new. This slightly different design was created by Kirk House Publishers in Burnsville, Minnesota. The overall experience of working with them was top notch.

As always, I appreciate your continued interest and support in this mission. And I still agree with The Monfils Conspiracy author, Denis Gullickson’s, tenacious analysis, “Let’s see where this takes us.”

Please note that the original edition of Reclaiming Lives is no longer available for purchase on many retail sites.

For those who have already purchased a copy of this new edition, thank you! It would be greatly appreciated if you’d kindly consider posting a review on Amazon which promotes additional readership.

Second edition is now available. Ways to order:

Purchase one or more signed copies directly from this author on this website by clicking on the book image in the upper right corner. Thanks!

A Patch of Sunlight: Message of Hope Through Real-Life Tragedies…

In this posting I’m proudly sharing one of the most superbly written articles regarding my personal decade-long commitment to help correct a deeply flawed injustice.

The article came about as a result of my participation in a Minneapolis book fair put together by the Women Of Words (WOW); a local writing group I’ve been a part of since before my book was published.

I admire the many women who embody this highly motivated, knowledgeable, and generous group of writers that welcomed me into the fold without hesitation. Their influence and encouragement to continually summon the creative writing app in my brain, and their permission to accept the ever-present anxiety during those final days, was extremely reassuring at a crucial time.

Participating authors at the WOW book fair. (Photo courtesy of Ann Spiczka Aubitz, WOW member) 

My book, Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice for Six Innocent Men (published in 2017)—a project I had worked vigorously on for four years—was nearing completion. I was so close to the end and feeling impatient about finally broadcasting what I so passionately wanted to convey to the world; the pain and devastation forced upon countless innocent lives when six men were given life sentences for a murder they did not commit. 

Ironically, after a book is published is when the real work begins. Having your book stand out, for instance—especially among the cacophony of amazing books at events such as this one—takes creativity. My attention grabber has become my modestly concocted homemade posters made of colorful poster paper and scotch tape. However, it’s not the posters themselves that grab the attention of passers-by, but what’s on them. The latest stats and disturbingly honest testimonials from those who’ve lived the nightmare of being wrongfully convicted, usually does the trick.

At the book fair, this poster caught the eye of Michael Ireland; an unassuming gentleman who walked up to my table and began to read…

After exploring the topic of my book and the reasons for my involvement, Ireland shared his extensive background as a journalist. He also expressed an interest in highlighting this story for the Eden Prairie Patch; a local online Minnesota news network in which he writes articles for regularly. 

These are welcomed opportunities that allow me to broadcast far and wide, a message of hope and possibilities through real-life tragedies. And though sharing this mission can be somewhat discouraging, (because who wants to hear about one more problem that most feel powerless to change?), it is one that I remain steadfast in telling. I believe no matter your perceived level of ability to make change, being aware of the potential hazards in life can also be advantageous…and quite empowering. 

Without further delay, here’s the little patch of sunlight that Michael Ireland wrote on my behalf and posted on two networks he is affiliated with:

Eden Prairie Patch headline:                                                                                                                          “Reclaiming Lives” Seeks Justice for Wrongfully Accused Mill-workers

Assist News headline:                                                                                                                                      Minneapolis social justice advocate pens book to free six innocent men

By Michael Ireland May 2, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (ANS) – When Joan Treppa heard the tragic story of Wisconsin paper mill worker Tom Monfils, her highly-developed sense of injustice, her faith, a sense of call to write, and her own experience of being bullied all came together in the book “Reclaiming Lives, Pursuing Justice for Six innocent Men,” ©2017 Mill City Press, Inc.

Treppa is a social justice advocate whose focus is to create awareness about wrongful convictions. She’s a voice for the five Wisconsin men currently fighting for their freedom.

In 1992, the death of mill worker Tom Monfils, and the resulting trial of six men accused of his murder, shocked the Wisconsin community in which it occurred.

In an interview with ASSIST News, Treppa said: “People often tell me I sound like a lawyer when I share my passionate discourse for those who’ve experienced grave injustices within our criminal justice system.

“In fact, I am not a lawyer. I have no legal background whatsoever…only a fierce determination to help correct one injustice that found its way to me,” she said.

Cover artwork for Reclaiming Lives

“Aside from the unfairness of how the entire case was handled, an underlying message that jumped out for me while learning about the situation was an element of bullying. I experienced bullying throughout my childhood. In this instance bullying became the most disturbing aspect of how innocent people had been victimized and punished unjustly.

“Traumatic personal memories of the anger, the hurt from being ostracized to the point of feeling shame and self-pity, returned. A calling was borne out of the remnants of those painful experiences and I could not turn my back on individuals caught up in this highly-publicized situation that completely destroyed their lives and sent innocent people to prison for a crime they did not commit. In essence, I became one of many who were chosen to broadcast the real truths about this injustice, to reveal all that was lost in the controversy, the cover-ups, and the politics.”

Treppa described the synopsis of the case that prompted the book.

In November of 1992, paper mill worker, Tom Monfils, made a 911 call to report an impending theft within the mill by fellow mill worker, Keith Kutska. As a result, Kutska was suspended from work but learned of the 911 call during a disciplinary hearing. Afterward, Kutska made known his intent to find out who made the call and to obtain a copy of the recording.

“The police department handed over a copy to Kutska despite repeated (undocumented) calls from Monfils asking them not to. Kutska then confronted Monfils at work with the tape the following week,” she said, adding: “Soon after this confrontation, Monfils disappeared from his work station and was found the next day at the bottom of a paper pulp vat inside the mill with a rope and weight tied around his neck.”

Treppa continued: “Early in the investigation the police were told by those who worked with Monfils that he had committed suicide. But then the police learned of the police department’s critical error of releasing a copy of the tape to Kutska,” said Treppa.

“They also learned about the confrontation between Kutska and Monfils. The focus of the investigation then became more aggressive with the intent to prove this was a homicide. Kutska became their lead suspect.”

In 1995, the two-and-a-half year investigation essentially produced no solid evidence or credible eyewitnesses, said Treppa. “Despite this, a twenty-eight day joint trial ended with six men, including Keith Kutska, Reynold Moore, Dale Basten, Michael Johnson, Michael Hirn, and Michael Piaskowski, being charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Each was given a life sentence.”

Treppa acknowledged some similarities to her own life story.

“For a significant period in my life, I was robbed of my individual voice, my dignity, and sense of self,” she said. “The same happened here. But what helped me to overcome those traumas was the generosity, the kindness I received from good people who entered my life from time to time.

“Overwhelming emotions propagated my sense of duty and commitment to help these men and their families, the same way I had been helped. I felt adequately well-equipped to stand tall for them. As hurtful as it was to remember the helplessness of being made fun of incessantly, being a target of repeated name calling, and being held accountable for wrongs I had no part in committing, the empowerment I felt was even greater.”

What was it about the case that drew her interest? What is now the current state of the case and the men involved?

Treppa said becoming an advocate and an author was an unexpected deviation from all of the things that had since kept her life simple and brought great joy and satisfaction.

“My faith allowed me to believe in something larger than me. It allowed me to make a difference in that something. And it expected me to figure out how that was going to happen. Ironically, taking this new path revealed an emptiness that was stagnant for many years. Taking a stand on their behalf did two things; it gave the recipients hope while helping me to heal on an emotional as well as spiritual level,” she said.

To date, three of the six men are free. In 2001, Michael Piaskowski was exonerated by a federal judge who found no evidence of guilt against him. Dale Basten was released in 2017 due to health issues. Sadly, he died nine months later. Michael Hirn was granted parole in 2018 while maintaining his innocence. It is expected that Michael Johnson and Reynold Moore will be released on parole in 2019.

“The battle for Keith Kutska’s release is ongoing, but uncertain. To this day, all of the men have maintained their absolute innocence,” Treppa said.

Petitioning for the immediate release for the remaining incarcerated men was the main focus of her book.

“I’m ecstatic that the Parole Commission has started to grant parole to these men without asking them to admit to a crime they did not commit,” she said.

“The untold story, the aftermath, the dire challenges forced upon the men and their loved ones, and the telling of the many miracles that occurred along the way was also an important aspect.”

Treppa stated: “In the process, it was necessary to highlight the specific flaws of this case, and to enlighten those unaware of the realities and common flaws that are present in all wrongful convictions. Pointing out the shortfalls of the media outlets in that region has had an effect as well, as some have begun to look deeper into the details of this case and are questioning the validity of the police theory and the verdicts.”

Treppa hopes to inspire others to embrace their own personal callings with the belief that goodness exists if we only take the time to look, and that it is as infectious as bad behavior.

Treppa said the idea that wrongful convictions can and do happen…anywhere, to anyone, and with absolutely no warning is her-hoped for takeaway for readers.

“My greatest legacy will be realized when what I’ve written has touched hearts in the deepest sense and has motivated many to overcome their own barriers to help others.

“I wish for everyone to find that singular connection that compels them to help improve lives, and to understand why some lack the ability and/or resources to help themselves,” she said.

Treppa concluded: “When we begin to abandon judgement and make a conscious effort to embrace the difficulties of others, we contribute to the kind of place where we’d all like to live. I believe that education is an important safeguard that will ultimately prevent more wrongful convictions from happening in the future.”

“Reclaiming Lives,” is available on Amazon.com

About Michael Ireland:

Michael Ireland is an Internet journalist and Media Missionary serving as Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service. He is also an ordained minister and an award-winning local cable-TV host/producer. Michael has served with Dan Wooding and ASSIST News Service (ANS) since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Follow Michael on Facebook at MichaelIrelandMediaMissionary and on Twitter at @Michael_ASSIST. Consider supporting Michael as a media missionary on his website.