Author Archives: Joan Treppa

Two Veterans…One Personal Mission…

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On this Veterans Day we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I’d like to also pay tribute to two Veterans in particular that not only served dutifully in the Army but who have dedicated their lives to serving in other important ways as well.

It’s been my absolute privilege to have known these two distinguished gentlemen; Exoneree Michael “Pie” Piaskowski and Retired Crime Scene Expert Johnny Johnson.

Allow me to explain how they met:

“Johnny introduced himself when they walked in. His attention soon zeroed in on the hat Mike Pie was wearing, which revealed he had served in the US Army. Johnny was an army veteran too, which gave them plenty to talk about. They soon realized that they had served in a similar area in Vietnam. “Assisting veterans is what I do,” Johnny said that day. For a brief time, Johnny had assisted my neighbor, Ken, with veteran’s concerns. It is why I ran into him at my mailbox, and it was why I had the opportunity to ask for his help. There was no mistaking the bond already forming between Johnny and Mike Pie or the opportunity that this instance presented—Johnny’s ability to aid this veteran in his personal mission.”  – Excerpt from Reclaiming Lives

After realizing their similar connection they became close friends and together, fought another important uphill battle or personal mission if you will, closer to home. What occurred as a result of this partnership and their collaborations with many others is nothing short of AMAZING.

Read the full story in my book, Reclaiming Lives:

Kirk House Publishers

Amazon 

Or simply purchase through PayPal on this website (at the top right corner of this page).

THANK YOU!

Mike Pie and Johnny Johnson; two regular guys taking a breather in the midst of an important mission. Photo taken at the 2016 Hotrod Breakout fundraiser/car show in Minnesota.

Underscoring the Relevancy While Connecting the Dots…

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I’m always amazed by the people I meet, especially when I participate in book events in Minnesota.

Some of the 45 books being sold at the book fair

On Saturday, April 20, I was among forty-five local authors at the Northtown Mall Book Fair in Blaine, MN. I assert that these types of events are definitely about quality over quantity. Crowds are often light and I seldom sell that many books. However, I choose to partake in them because I can always count on engaging in deep discussions with folks who live in Minnesota who have some close tie to either this case or to the legal system. Underscoring the relevancy by connecting the dots…it’s what I do. And this past Saturday was no different.

Rope and Weight around Tom Monfils’ neck

Paper Pulp Vat where body was found

Visiting the five guys in prison    

A guy stepped up to my table to look at the (above) series of photos. His first utterance was, “Why does this all seem so familiar to me?”

I shared details of the case and he looked at me in disbelief. “I’m from Green Bay and my Dad worked at a paper mill! Which mill was this?”

After determining that his Dad had worked at a different mill, I asked, “Do you remember what his general opinion was of what happened at James River?” He stated that everyone in the industry knew it wasn’t murder, which is the same feedback I receive on a frequent basis.

“I need to get a few of your books to pass around.”  He then left.

A woman soon approached. She studied the array of photos. “What’s all this?”

After a brief discussion she shared that she’s a lawyer and expressed her dismay of the outcome in this case. Turns out, she is aware of who our Minneapolis attorney, Steve Kaplan, is. In fact, her face revealed a sense of respect for the man.

When I summarized the contents of the book “and all of the crazy things we tried to do” to find legal assistance for the convicted men, she was in awe. Her analogical take was that most folks who learn of various situations typically fail to take action beyond a brief acknowledgement of how tragic it is. She was “impressed” with how involved I had become for the sake of strangers.

I’m deeply touched and humbled when folks tell me that I have no idea the lives I’ve touched or how I’ve contributed to the healing of others. They say, “You are a blessing to many!”

The conversations such as the ones I have at these events seem to indicate this. And my response is always the same; that this experience of being an advocate has greatly touched and healed my soul as well.

Year End Thoughts and an Update…

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As 2023 draws to a close, I’d like to share some thoughts on what this “journey for justice” on behalf of six innocent men has meant to me.

But first, an announcement. On August 30, Keith Kutska, was released on parole.

WBAY coverage of Keith Kutska’s release.

For the first time in decades-with the exception of Dale Basten-all of the men; exoneree, Michael Piaskowski, Keith Kutska, Michael Hirn, Reynold Moore, and Michael Johnson are home for the holidays with loved ones! Sadly, Dale passed away on June 23, 2018, nine months after his release from prison.

Dale Basten in 2016 at Stanley Correctional Institution

Since 2009 when I first learned of this grave injustice and pledged my support to help free these men, I had no knowledge of the eye-opening realities of our criminal justice system. While I still believe that the system gets it right the majority of the time, it is those instances; too many of them, that we as a society must scrutinize and remedy.

I do not claim to be an expert in this field and I certainly do not have any grand solutions to rid the system of wrongful convictions. I only know that what I’ve seen up close as a bystander in one of the most notorious cases in Wisconsin history is quite disturbing. And the results can only be measured in lives destroyed…lives lost…lives wasted…all for no good reason.

Keith Kutska with his lawyers during his evidentiary hearing in 2015

In the Monfils case there has been adequate opportunity for those with the ability to do so, to finally correct this injustice in light of the new evidence and information brought forth during the 2015 evidentiary hearing for Keith Kutska by a well-respected and unbiased law firm. Sadly, that has not happened. On the contrary, the pushback to maintain the status quo in this case has been unrelenting.

Former DA John Zakowski is currently a judge in the same district

Unfortunately, that defiance is not unique. But thanks to the Innocence Project organization and the more recent installations of CIUs (Criminal Integrity Units), there are credible and effective resources available to help push through such barriers.

Observing and watching in real time how the more recent legal process has progressed in Wisconsin has been more of an education than I could have ever imagined. Unfortunately, my takeaway has been a less than stellar opinion of the entire judicial process. I no longer readily accept at face value, the information provided in news clips regarding other arrests, investigations, etc. I just always have this nagging fear of possible “gaps” in those stories.

I’ve gotten to know the six men in the Monfils case and many others since who have experienced the nightmare of being falsely accused. Above all, I’ve witnessed remarkable courage, unwavering determination, and unparalleled strength of character. Ironically, the very folks who’ve overcome absolute hopelessness, devastating disappointments, and brutal animosity are some of the nicest people on the planet. It has been a privilege for me to have met enough of them to know that there is so much to be learned from all of them.

While the goal of full exonerations for all of these Wisconsin men has yet to be realized, I am proud of my role as a social justice advocate. I am proud of this legacy for myself and my family. I am proud of my accomplishments as a writer who has found her voice and who has chosen to use it to educate, to inspire, and to advocate for those victimized by a flawed criminal justice system.

Many of you have lent your support in various ways over the years. For this I am grateful. Now, for the sake of continuing to educate the public, you can help me spread this story far and wide. Maybe consider buying a copy of my book for a friend or a loved one.

Purchase through my website. Click on the book image in the upper right corner of this page.

Order the book through my publisher, Kirk House Publishing

If you’ve read the book, THANK YOU! A brief review on Amazon is always helpful in maintaining a book’s visibility.

Most importantly, it truly is a gift for these men to see and feel the amazing support from all of you on their behalf!

Thank you and Happy Holidays!