Tag Archives: inspiration

Class Act Reviews…

Thanks for visiting. It’s been a while since my last posting.

I’m checking in with a quick update on latest activities in my ongoing mission to advocate for six innocent men. With COVID-19 putting a halt to all book events and nonessential travel, I’ve spent the past year revising my book by inserting new information, eliminating lesser relevant information, and adding additional chapters that contain exciting new developments. This second edition, which will include the entire story from the first book as well as the other aforementioned content, will be published sometime this year. So, stay tuned for the next wave as I once again, do my best to “shake up the legal system in the name of six wrongfully convicted men!”

Brown County Courthouse, Green Bay, Wisconsin

This past year I’ve been asked to participate in virtual class sessions with college students, many of whom are in undergraduate sociology, criminology, and legal studies who have been taking a course on wrongful convictions. Part of their assignment has been to read my book prior to my joining them for a later discussion. My next (virtual) session takes place this week on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

And now…allow me to step aside and present to you these recent class act (Amazon) reviews from some of those students. There are quite a few so, grab a favorite beverage and get comfy…

5* Truly Inspirational! “Reclaiming Lives by Joan Treppa is such a great book. It really shows that there are truly people on this planet who genuinely care about people’s well-being. Her passion in this book is uncanny, and I wholeheartedly admire her bravery and determination in helping the wrongfully convicted “Monfils Six” see justice and freedom. This book kept me on my toes, and I can honestly say it was really hard to put down! Treppa’s journey is truly an inspiration to us all – it shows me that people can do good when they put their minds to it and give a task their all. Treppa began her work after reading a book about this case’s facts, and she is an ordinary person with a non-legal background in criminal justice. Both her passion for the Monfils case and her care for people led her to the choice of helping the men accused of this crime, and I can only hope to be as brave as she was when she made that decision! I enjoy the fact that she chose to write it as more of a memoir rather than just a story with a series of the events that perspired. Not only does it make it even more evident that she truly cares, but it also made it a really captivating book!

This book should definitely be required in schools (high school and college) as it is incredibly insightful and a really good book for discussions. I suggest to anyone reading this to keep up with this case on Joan Treppa’s website because this case is truly baffling! I am very grateful to have been allowed to read this book for a class because otherwise, I do not think I would have ever come across this book. This book has proven to me, yet again, that the American criminal justice system needs to be improved and held accountable for its misdeeds.” – Shannon

5* Criminal Justice Must Read!! “Reclaiming Lives is an absolute must read for anyone considering a career in the criminal justice system or working with the non-profit organization the Innocence Project! Not only is Joan Treppa a fantastic writer, she is also an incredibly determined individual! I cannot tell you how much I appreciated this book, it invokes a passion for helping people that has been lost in many of our lives. While reading this book I felt almost like I was standing alongside her on this journey. Treppa really gives this story a personal feel that will inspire you to take action and right the wrongs of the criminal justice system. It is heartbreaking to know that there are so many people in prison for a crime that they did not commit or for a crime that was completely fabricated. Luckily there are people in this world like Joan Treppa, to pursue what is right and just. She is truly an inspiration, especially to anyone who is planning to have a career in the criminal justice system.

Joan Treppa is a unique individual who has dedicated so much of her time and energy to helping six innocent men. Since Treppa is an average everyday person, her book is written in layman’s terms so it is easy for the average reader to understand and relate to. It is my belief that if more people were like Treppa, there would be fewer innocent people in prisons. We could all learn a thing or two from her determination and her bravery. I hope that this review gives you the gentle nudge to purchase her book or to at least look into volunteering with the Innocence Project team. There are approximately 1.5 million people convicted of felonies and are serving time in prison, of those 1.5 million roughly 15,000 are innocent (Norris et al. 2018, p. 6). Joan Treppa and the people working with the Innocence Project are dedicated to freeing those innocent people and making sure that wrongful convictions do not happen to anyone else. What will you do to help?” – Erin H.

5* An Interesting Book! “Reclaiming Lives by Joan Treppa is a unique book. Joan Treppa describes her journey to help seek justice for the six innocent men that were accused of a crime they did not do. I had to read this book for class and I could not put this book down. I thought Joan Treppa did a great job telling her story and made it possible for her audience to connect to her and her journey. I have read books about wrongful convictions however, I have not read any book quite like this.

Joan Treppa had no relations to the men she was trying to help, she was simply just an advocate for justice. I believe her story is inspiring for other advocates wanting justice for innocent people in prison. Joan Treppa shows throughout her journey how hard and emotionally draining advocate work can be, however, she kept pursuing to try and help these men receive justice. Reclaiming Lives although can be an inspirational book it also can be a hard book to read. I am a very empathic person, and when I read this book I became super emotional when thinking about these innocent men and what they had to go through. These men did not deserve to go to prison and face the hardships they faced.

I really liked how Joan Treppa set up this book. In the beginning, she describes how she got involved with the Monfils case and then each chapter going forward describes each step she took to help these men receive justice. As a social justice advocate, I really enjoyed reading this book. It does a good job of highlighting the hardship advocates can go through but how it is important to not let that stop you from seeking justice. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about wrongful convictions or who wants to know how impactful advocates can be to people and communities.” – Unknown

4* A Great Read about the Fight for Innocence, from Inside and Outside of Prison. “Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice for Six Innocent Men tells the incredible story of a case of injustice that has gone on far too long, and Joan Treppa’s journey of becoming a citizen advocate for the wrongfully convicted men. While I wish that we got a little more of the intricacies of the case from the perspectives of said men, the work done in this book to explain how they have been mistreated and blamed in the criminal justice system, and how Joan has become the fighter for their innocence is nothing short of amazing. What makes the book so interesting is that it is not just the story of the men and their wrongful convictions but more so about Treppa, as someone who initially was just a person interested in the case with little prior legal knowledge, taking huge steps forward and becoming the advocate she is today for not just these six Wisconsin men, but many others as well. This dedication of her life to helping out others that have been less fortunate is inspiring to see how a person not personally connected to a case will go so far to help fight for what is right in a system that often is plague with many wrongs. Something that really drives this point home well is the use of more causal, everyday terms to help explain what the criminal justice system has done and her efforts to get them exonerated. Instead of being riddled with criminal and legal jargon that can often push readers away, Joan really makes it clear that with just a little learning, everyday readers like you and me can become involved in helping free those who have been wrongfully convicted. The book is a great read that, although at times may seem slow, tell the real struggles that both the innocent men and Treppa go through which is absolutely worth taking the time to read.” – C-Z

5* Great Read! “Reclaiming Lives” is the story about a brave woman, the author of the book, Joan Treppa, who sought to bring awareness of the innocence of six men who were wrongfully convicted of murder in Green Bay, WI. This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you travel through time with the author and her experiences and fight to get these men exonerated. I enjoyed reading about Treppa’s journey and the hardships she and her colleagues faced in their fight. This book is incredibly eye-opening to how common wrongful convictions are. It makes me angry that these men lost everything over several government actors’ misconduct. And it will tug on your heartstrings to know all that these men have lost while being incarcerated. Joan Treppa is incredibly inspirational and will make you want to know more about where, to begin with helping out other people who are wrongfully convicted. This book hit home for me because I was born in Wisconsin and currently live in the Minneapolis area. It made me teary-eyed to hear about how many Minneapolis community members contributed to helping these six men. This book is very well written and gives an excellent play-by-play of Joan’s journey.

I promise once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. I recommend this book to anyone interested in wrongful convictions, especially those with a closed mind about wrongful convictions. This book sheds light on how easily wrongful convictions occur and their effect on the exoneree and their family members. We always tend to focus on the incarcerated people, and Joan makes sure to tell everyone’s story, including the stories of some of the wrongfully accused family members. Joan shows the importance of a community coming together to advocate for others who don’t have the opportunity to do so for themselves. She has touched so many people with this book. She also shows how the Green Bay Police Department and prosecutors mishandled this case.” – Rachel

5* Book Review: “This book was gripping from the very beginning. Personally, I really liked the perspective of Joan writing from the position of a citizen advocate, a position that is rarely talked about today. Many people like to take the frontlines on these issues and I think Joan’s perspective offers a new light on the situation as a whole. This perspective shows us how important this issue is based on other normal people becoming entrenched by this case. It made me want to know more about it too and why it had enraged all of these different types of people. The case that this book follows was mind blowing. As you will read, even people who had no idea about how the criminal justice system functions knew that something was wrong right from the start. The book talks about the intricacies of the case and the people that are still out in the world trying to get the rest of the people out of prison. An interesting dynamic throughout the entirety of this book was that one of the original six defendants has been released, while the others have yet to have an appeal approved. This one defendant, known as Pie, spends his life after prison trying to right these wrongs. It is fascinating hearing from his perspective about what life is like for these men who are still in prison and living in that environment. He also gives key insight to many of the activists about how unjust the original trial was. If you are looking for a book about wrongful convictions that is a thrilling read while also not being super “heady” and “wordy” about the criminal justice system, this book is for you!” – Sarah

5* A Must Read! “This book was a very good read about Joan’s journey through the Monfils case. From when she learned about the case to the end of the book, she advocates for the six innocent men in this case. I thought it was very powerful how she was fighting for these innocent people and miscarriages of justice within the criminal justice system. She did this from her personal challenges she had faced, and felt for them. She wanted to fight for their dignity and sense of self which really stood out to me. This book was very enticing in the sense that it pulled you into all the emotions of the book. I felt angry for them and at our broken system. Feeling all the whirlwinds of emotions as you read a book just shows how well written it is. I think it is good that people are writing and advocating for these people who get drug into the criminal justice system when they are innocent to shine a light on the issues and injustices that happen. Light needs to be shed on these injustices in order for change to be able to happen. If they are continuously overlooked, nothing will happen. It is great that Joan does so and is an advocate for this. I thought it was great how she shared her personal experiences in addition. Going into the depths of the case and through the stories of the six men who were wrongly convicted showed the prejudice and inequality that happens within our system. Overall, the book was great in putting a perspective on this issue within our system, and very insightful.” – Emma

To view the reviews online.

Down…But Far From Out…

4 Replies

Greetings and Happy New Year!

One of my goals in 2017 is to remain optimistic that this will be an exceptional and unprecedented year for ongoing efforts regarding our five innocent Wisconsin men; Keith Kutska, Dale Basten, Michael Hirn, Reynold Moore, and Michael Johnson.

There is much to be hopeful about despite a recent setback in our mission to request a new trial for one of those five, Keith Kutska. On December 28, 2016, we received word that Keith was denied justice as the Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction, barring him once again, the right to present new evidence in a new trial.

During the trial in 1995. (Photo Courtesy of the Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Green Bay’s WLUK Fox 11 coverage included the following excerpt from that court’s decision:

“Kutska requests a new trial in the interest of justice. Because he failed to establish ineffective assistance of counsel or newly discovered evidence, that motion is procedurally barred. In addition, he has not established that the real controversy was not fully tried or that, because of trial error, it is probable that justice miscarried and a new trial would produce a different result.”

Here is the link to the entire Court of Appeals decision.

Ink sketch of Tom Monfils by artist/writer, Jared Manninen

A reminder that none of these men were granted separate trials to begin with, which in my opinion is a denial of a basic constitutional right. But let’s examine what I understand to be “the real controversy” in this earnest attempt to achieve justice; the idea that Tom Monfils’ death could have been a suicide. Those of us who support the innocence of all six men believe there’s plenty of evidence to show that suicide is a plausible explanation of what happened. We may never fully understand the scope of the circumstances leading up to his death but the science, the witness testimony, and the human interaction that occurred at the mill on that day in 1992, support this theory.

I believe the dominant reason for the resistance by the courts to allow progress in this case is pride. Simply put, they don’t want to admit that they’ve prosecuted, convicted, and incarcerated these men in an unethical and unlawful way. But the heart of the controversy among the general public seems to rest on misguided opinions and an inability to accept the suicide theory because of the taboo in our culture on the subject. Many are simply uncomfortable and even offended by the idea that someone would take their own life. In regard to the Monfils case, I often hear comments by those in support of the murder theory that no one in their right mind would commit suicide in the manner that Monfils died. But that idea falls flat because no one contemplating suicide is ever in a right frame of mind. At the given time, the victim will use whatever means is available or familiar to them, which is what appears to have happened in this instance with the rope and weight material. Many do not realize that the weight used was the one that was near Tom Monfils work station. And the rope, well, that was Monfils’ own jump rope.

Based on the statements included in the court’s decision, the resistance to have a conversation about suicide when it is staring them in the face is troubling. And knowing that consideration was never given to the idea of suicide was never brought up during the 28-day trial is baffling.

According to the court’s decision, “(Tom) Monfils’ family’s opinions (as stated by the brother, Cal Monfils, during his testimony at the evidentiary hearing in 2015) regarding his possible suicide consisted of hearsay and speculation.” And, “In light of Young’s (the medical examiner) conclusions, trial counsel’s decision to forego presenting a suicide defense constituted a reasonable trial strategy, particularly given the questionable admissibility of the non-expert evidence supporting the suicide theory.”

Having spoken with people who’ve dealt with suicide within their own families, the shame and profound guilt of those left behind is evident. They wonder why they were not aware and if there was something they could have or should have done to prevent this tragedy. The subject is painful, disturbing, and often avoided no matter the probability of its likelihood. But these influences should not blind any of us, untouched by its effects, to the possibility of suicide in this instance.

Statistical analysis favors our argument: According to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, “Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States” and is highest in middle-aged white men. “Each year, 44,193 Americans die by suicide.” In Wisconsin, it’s the fourth leading cause of death in persons aged 35-54. (Monfils was 35 when his life ended.) “Over four times as many people die by suicide in Wisconsin annually than by homicide.”

At this moment, we’re disappointed about the latest ruling but we are far from over and out and we will continue to exert a relentless stance in our quest to succeed. We have no illusions about the uphill battle we still face but if we can help it, we will never allow this injustice to persevere. We will take the plunge back into indeterminate waters as our mission expands to new levels of awareness and farther up the judicial ladder in 2017.

A petition to the Wisconsin Supreme Court is our next step. If this request fails, the legal team will pursue relief in the federal courts where the sixth man, exoneree Michael Piaskowski, obtained justice in 2001.

Until then, here’s a recap of upcoming events that I hope will greatly support these efforts. Two documentaries that will heighten awareness of this case are on the horizon and will be completed in the coming years.

Beyond Human Nature is an examination of the human element and the interaction of the individuals involved on either side in the Monfils case. Father and son team, Michael and Dave Neelsen of StoryFirst Media, based in Madison, Wisconsin are producing this project. Completion is expected in 2020.

(Banner courtesy of StoryFirst Media)

Guilty Until Proven Innocent examines how wrongful convictions occur. Multiple cases, including the Monfils case, are reviewed in this project. Mark Saxenmeyer; CEO of The Reporters Inc, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota is the producer. Because of our involvement in the Monfils case, I and friend and colleague, John Johnson, were interviewed for this project. Specific dates of completion and distribution are still unknown.

(Photo courtesy of The Reporters Inc)

My tool of awareness is the book I’ve sought to complete in the past four years. This factual depiction of events from my perspective is a sequel of sorts to the 2009 publication of The Monfils Conspiracy. Mine is a testament of the courage and perseverance of many I’ve met along the way who’ve experienced the ill-effects of a wrongful conviction.

Because of my specific interest and involvement in the Monfils case, I impress upon my audience the urgency of taking action on behalf of the unfortunate victims in addition to the men themselves; their families and close friends, people who led lives similar to ours before this tragedy befell them. I urge all to give credence to their long-standing predicament as well as to the devastation exacted on innocents everywhere.

In November of 2016, I submitted my transcript of this troubling story to Mill City Press; a self-publishing company in Minneapolis. After finalizing an evaluation of the transcript, I received an astonishing overview. My story was regarded as having been “written well” and executed “professionally and tactfully” from a “facts only” perspective.

I will post updates and specifics on all of these projects as they materialize.

Early Spring sunrise on Laddie Lake, Blaine, MN (USA)

There are many uncertain variables at this stage but what an adventuresome and progress filled year this will be!

Foreword March…

8 Replies

A few weeks ago, friend and colleague, Erik Stewart posted on Facebook, some very thoughtful feedback about a large project I’m currently tackling; writing a book. Yes, an entire book that has occupied much of my time for the past three years, with this past year being the most demanding.

I’ll be honest; I never thought I had it in me to compose anything more than a weekly blog. But with encouragement from so many like Erik, who are willing to devote time to scrutinizing my transcript as well as lend advice and provide me with helpful feedback, I’ve been able to fill empty pages with words that are evolving into a solid and compelling story. I’m excited that the telling of this fantastic journey of the past seven years to aid in the release of five (originally six) men wrongfully convicted of murder in 1992 is coming to fruition.

T-shirt logo for six innocent men

My reasons for writing this book are critical at a time of extreme and unfair biases and blatant cruelty toward others no matter where we look. I believe it is imperative that we, as a society, be cognizant of the injustices that inundate the lives of those around us and realize the necessity to help correct them. If all of us experienced the depth of emotional healing and gratification that accompany selfless actions, I believe we all would become better people.

Proof of action must accompany words of wisdom which is the embodiment of this literature. Being an example and inspiring those who read it to focus more on working through problems with patience and kindness rather than misguided judgement or criticism is the underlying message. As I work through a lengthy process of creating what I call someone else’s story through my eyes, the ultimate goal is to produce an honest book that is equally informative and accurate that will spur discussion about wrongful convictions and about our flawed judicial system.

As depressing as the book’s subject matter is, the story will end on a positive note even though the overall journey remains unresolved. It depicts a moment in time that catapulted a situation from devastating to one of hope and distinct possibilities, with an appreciation that the actions of complete strangers have brought forth comfort and peace of mind to its victims for the first time in years. I’ve been told the story I’ve composed is a seamless extension of the book that compelled me to get involved, The Monfils Conspiracy; The Conviction of Six Innocent Men.

Today I’m unveiling an excerpt that sets the tone for my entire book. It is the testimonial of an individual that I deeply respect and who has maintained the highest form of integrity despite immeasurable pain and suffering for two decades. I am pleased that Keith Kutska, the main suspect in this wrongful conviction case, has agreed to compose a Foreword for my book. I am honored to share it with you now. I read it to an intimate crowd of family and close friends of the men in prison at our seventh annual Walk for Truth and Justice in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 28, 2016.

joans-speech-at-2016-walk-for-truth-and-justice

Joan Treppa speaking at seventh annual ‘Walk for Truth and Justice’

Please consider these thoughtful words from an innocent man:

Foreword by Keith Kutska:

While at the James River Paper Mill on the morning of November 21, 1992, Tom Monfils disappeared from his work area and was later found dead at another location in the mill. Despite the evidence pointing to suicide, the police assumed that an “angry mob” of his co-workers had murdered him. The investigation soon centered on six men who had been working at the mill that day. I know this because I am one of those six.

(L to R) Decedent, Tom Monfils, Convicted men; Dale Basten, Mike Johnson, Mike Hirn, Rey Moore, Keith Kutska and exoneree Mike Piaskowski

Few people, unless they or someone close to them has experienced what the “Monfils six” and their families have endured, are likely to understand the anxiety and sense of helplessness that overtakes an innocent person while he cooperates with law enforcement, only to have it call him a liar, a thug, and a murderer. Few can know what an innocent person suffers as he loses his job and becomes the subject of media stories and public contempt for a crime he did not commit. They will not experience or know the frustration that an innocent person experiences watching his family suffer as the investigation and trial continue.

garrett-holding-a-candle-with-an-image-of-his-great-grandfather

Garrett waiting for his Great Grandad, Mike Johnson, to be released from prison

Most people assume, as I once did, that even if the police and prosecutors do not know or admit the truth, the jury will surely find it in the end. In the “Monfils six” case, like in other wrongful conviction cases, this did not happen. All six of us were convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, sentenced to life in prison, and separated from our families and everything else that made our lives worthwhile. From then on, we could only hope that someday the truth would become clear and the injustice corrected. Our days would be filled with the depression, despair, and disappointment that an innocent man endures as his appeals and other legal efforts fail, and he fears that he will never regain his freedom and life.

Exoneree Michael Piaskowski hugging his daughter, Jenny, upon release in 2001

Staying hopeful is difficult. Because I have been convicted, the struggle is uphill. That is something that every wrongfully convicted person soon learns. What I have also learned is that an innocent person can choose to maintain his own integrity. That is one thing that the system cannot take. I will continue to speak the truth and declare my innocence, just as the other members of the “Monfils six” have.

various-signs-for-the-march-around-the-block

Signs carried by supporters in 2016 Walk for Truth and Justice

After I had been in prison for more than fifteen years, I received a letter from Joan Treppa, a woman I had never met, but whose life was also changed by this case. She became a champion for all of us and for all wrongfully convicted people. If we regain our freedom, it will be because Joan cared and acted when she saw an injustice. I hope that this book inspires others to follow her path and become advocates for the wrongfully convicted. –Keith M. Kutska

Meeting Keith Kutska for the first time in 2015

A Matter of Facts…

Author and Social Justice Advocate for the Wrongfully Convicted

Tag Archives: inspiration

Class Act Reviews…

Down…But Far From Out…

Foreword March…