Author Archives: Joan Treppa

Pandemic: A Different Kind of Similar…

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For me October 2nd, International Wrongful Conviction Day is a reminder to stay vigilant in a personal mission that came to my attention in 2009—to join a growing movement to vindicate those wrongfully convicted for the tragic death of an employee inside a Green Bay, Wisconsin paper mill.

Front page article with verdicts in the Monfils case on October 29, 1995

Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice For Six Innocent Men, the book I published in 2017, highlights this high-profile case from my non-legal perspective as it reenters the courts twenty years later, based on newly uncovered evidence of innocence. This story which addresses true events and real people whose lives were thrown into chaos when, in October of 1995, six murder convictions befell six of the victim’s coworkers, continues to this day to plague these men, their families, and the surrounding community–all of whom have never fully recovered from the fallout. The path of devastation that ensued following the guilty verdicts, despite a lack of credible evidence or eye witnesses, has become a disease without a cure.

Ten years ago, I committed to staying the course by advocating for these six men and their families. And while I have not been as outspoken lately in regard to this specific journey for justice, I’m still in the fight working hard behind the scenes toward eradicating the misinformation and doubt in the minds of those still unaware of the facts.

4-21-2018 presentation at the Neville Museum In Green Bay, Wisconsin

In the most recent years my colleagues and I were on a roll. We began to feel unstoppable. This mission to reach the public, to disseminate the real truth, and to rally against this injustice had gained more ground than we’d ever thought possible. Support for the six men had risen to proportions well beyond our expectations.

Press conference with local media, July 3, 2019

We were no longer grappling for attention from the media or from the public whose attendance at our local events was slowly on the rise. We were tapping into incredibly lucrative venues. We had a firm grasp on what we had worked so diligently to accomplish on behalf of these men.

This group of ordinary people intent on correcting this injustice, despite having limited resources, had touched a nerve within this community both with those who continued to deny an injustice had occurred as well as those fed up with the status quo who still felt troubled by its many unanswered questions.

3-7-2020 book signing with Michael Johnson at the Lion’s Mouth Bookstore in Green Bay, Wisconsin

I had begun to engage in incredibly well-attended book events with my special and willing guests—the men who had recently been paroled. Folks in the community were excited to meet them, to hear in their own words the long-standing simmering questions that still lingered and still demanded credibility. This was a rarity. And their answers were not the spoon-fed variety that has been reiterated by the Brown County authorities since 1992.

But then COVID-19 hit. And all of our efforts came to a screeching halt.

Judge John Zakowski; the former prosecutor in this case (now a district judge in the same county), recently expressed his belief that these men have everything to lose if they were to all of a sudden confess.

Michael Hirn, one of the six convicted men, wholeheartedly confronted that belief with this fiery reply while participating in one of our book events:

“My response is simple. Who has more to lose at this point? I served almost twenty-four years for a crime I have no knowledge of or participated in. If I came forward now I would probably lose some friends and their support, but that’s it. Now let’s put the shoe on the other foot. If Zakowski came forward and said he wrongly convicted us, what would happen? He currently serves as a judge for the Green Bay community; the same community he lied to all these years by saying we were guilty when, in fact, he wrongfully convicted us. The ripple effect would be huge on this community and career suicide for John Zakowski. So who really has more to lose by actually telling the truth in this case?”

In twenty-eight years, this case has never completely gone away and it never will, for good reason. Most who delve deep into the details come away with searing doubts about the validity of the so-called facts presented by the former prosecutor. The plausibility that six mill workers could turn on a coworker so brutally and so vile, to then continue to lie about it, deny their involvement, and go to great lengths to convince the world that a murder had never even taken place, is highly improbable.

As long as we as citizens refuse to embrace the serious flaws of this “best system in the world” and as long as the authorities who perpetrate these injustices ignore the rules and/or avoid taking the necessary steps to correct past mistakes, we will never fully obliterate this wrongful conviction affliction within our society.

Rest assured we are in uncertain times. But when the opportunities once again present themselves to continue on with this mission, it will be full steam ahead for this crusader with more determination than ever before. Please stay tuned for future activities and updates…

Until then, take care and stay safe!

A Public Appearance and Fervent Appeal…

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Nervous excitement consumed me as we arrived at the Brown County Library in Downtown Green Bay on Saturday, January 11, 2020. My husband, Mike, and sister, Clare, were there to lend support and to help prepare for one of my most important and uniquely historic book events.

We were greeted by my niece, Jordan, who was waiting in the lobby and wearing her ever cheerful smile. Jordan is my technical guru and photographer at book events. Her assistance on that day was especially appreciated.   

Jordan and me at a previous book event

In the meeting room located on the lower level of the library, Mike and Clare busied themselves with setting up posters and a table for book sales. Jordan and I did a test run on the Power Point program. Luckily, there weren’t any apparent glitches that might spoil the presentation or lessen the focus on my notable special guest…

Promotional flyer created by the Brown County Library staff

This was the first time since my book; Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice For Six Innocent Men was published in 2017, that one of the newly released men would be joining me for a book event. I was thrilled when Michael Hirn, the youngest of the six, and the one who was released just over a year ago on December 18, 2019, agreed to participate.

(Photo courtesy of WBAY Ch. 2 from December 18, 2018)

“I’m getting excited for this event,” Hirn had told me a few days earlier.

I admired his courage. This being his first public appearance since his release, we had discussed his wariness of being the center of attention, and his susceptibility to negative scrutiny.

“My audiences have always been respectful,” I reassured him. “I believe this audience will be receptive to you, and to what you have to say. In fact, those who feel otherwise typically stay away and prefer to hide behind their aliases to ridicule everything they know nothing about!”

A half hour before we were to begin, our guest of honor walked off of the elevator. His presence soon filled the room. Accompanying him was his girlfriend, Gretchen, and some of her friends. Kirt, a friend of Hirn’s who has lent his support since they became friends, was also with them. Kirt had reached out to me as a way to reconnect with Hirn shortly after his release and it was great to finally meet him.

Andrea, the events coordinator for the library who had graciously assisted in scheduling this event, came down to check on our progress. She was delighted to meet Hirn and she expressed interest in learning more about this case. She said she’d be back down to introduce the two of us, and to listen in to at least part of the program.

Soon, people filtered in. Chairs filled. More were brought in. The room came alive with people conversing and sharing their connection to this high-profile case. Many gathered to hear the truths of this brave soul.

WBAY Ch. 2 (Green Bay) reporter and journalist, Dakota Sherek arrived. “Do you have a few minutes for an interview?” she asked. We left the room, now bustling with people. Afterward, she positioned her camera toward the back of the room to film part of the event.

Also in attendance was Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter, Paul Srubas, who has covered this case since the beginning in 1992.

Applause followed Andrea’s introduction. It was time to share aspects of a journey that had traveled from Wisconsin to Minnesota and landed in the hands of key legal professionals who, after studying all aspects of this case, became troubled and alarmed by what they felt was a deeply problematic case. They soon became actively involved in correcting an unjust outcome.

Retired crime scene expert, Johnny Johnson, and Mpls attorney, Steven Kaplan, uncovered new information supporting the idea that Monfils’ death  was a suicide

It is always my greatest hope that a mere glimpse into this complex case has the potential to sway opposing views of those who are convinced this was a murder, or who may still be on the fence. In my narrative, I emphasized the following details as the main elements of why this case has not slipped into oblivion for twenty-eight years:

No eye witnesses corroborated a beating had occurred and no blood was found in the area where it was said to have taken place. No murder weapons were ever found. (Photo Courtesy of The Monfils Conspiracy Published: 2009)

Tom Monfils body was found near these propeller blades inside the paper pulp vat. A more recent examination of the autopsy report revealed the dimensions of the injury on the back of his head match the dimensions of these blades exactly. However, the original coroner had determined all injuries had occurred prior to the victim entering the vat. (Photo courtesy of Mpls investigative team)

The rope and weight are the only tangible pieces of evidence. In 1992, the crime lab identified these knots as nautical in nature and recommended they be sent to the Coast Guard for examination. No record has been found of them being sent. In 2015, it was learned that Monfils’ brother, Cal, had told detectives in 1992 that they were possibly tied by his brother and that this info had been dismissed. Also in 2015, knot was identified by a rope expert as a two half-hitch nautical knot. (Photo courtesy of Mpls investigative team)

Former prosecutor’s stance on the evidence from the original trial. (Photo courtesy of Beyond Human Nature Documentary film due out in 2020) 

 WI exoneree’s stance on the crime. (Photo courtesy of Beyond Human Nature Documentary film) 

Also highlighted were more recent releases of three other men:

Dale Basten was released to a nursing home on September 5, 2017. Although he had major health issues, he was still required to wear an ankle monitor. He died nine months later on June 23, 2018

Clare Martinson with longtime friend Reynold Moore. Rey’s release date: July 2, 2019

Mike-Joan Treppa with Kim-Michael Johnson on July 3, 2019; the day Johnson was released.

The presentation ended with a 6-minute video taken the day of Hirn’s release; a touching portrayal of hope, years lost, and new beginnings on the tail of catastrophic tragedy and demoralizing loss. The piece was created by friend and colleague, Mark Saxenmeyer; CEO of Minnesota based The Reporters Inc, as part of his docuseries titled Guilty Until Proven Innocent.

The audience then offered another round of applause and turned their attention to the main character in the video. Hands shot up. Questions arose. Concerns were raised. Most importantly, hearts were deeply touched as evidenced by the outpouring of warmth, support, empathy, and compassion for an undeserving fate that befell this honorable individual. Undeniable to this crowd was Hirn’s deep personal conviction, self-imposed high standards, and absence of anger to never allow this nightmare to define who he is today, tomorrow, or ever.

One of Michael’s first statements to the crowd was a generous but fervent appeal:

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion, whether they’re on our side or not. But not if you’re uninformed.”

And another noteworthy comment in response to a question he is asked frequently in regard to the way in which Tom Monfils may have died:

“To anyone who asks who in their right mind would kill themselves like that?” Hirn answers, “Who in their right mind would kill themselves?”

Fifteen books went out the door that day. I had requested Hirn also sign them. He did so with enthusiasm as he socialized with excited purchasers. This was his moment to heal, to savor the normalcy that everyone in that room knew. It was his time to shine, and to devour a feeling of belonging within a community he’d been isolated and shunned from for twenty-three years.

The 90-minute allotment for this event slipped by unnoticed. Finally, after nearly three hours, we were reminded through the library’s telecom system that they would be closing in twenty minutes. We packed up our belongings with great satisfaction, and a sense that this event had advanced our purpose to educate and inform.

Events like this one continue to present and open new doors and new avenues of communication, which solidifies our belief that we are on the right path, but far from completing this noble and necessary mission…

WBAY article

Green Bay Press-Gazette article

Bridging The Gap To Freedom…

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October 29, 1995: This edition of the Green Bay Press-Gazette hit newsstands the day after six guilty verdicts were handed to Keith Kutska (pictured above with his attorney), Dale Basten, Michael Johnson, Reynold Moore, Michael Piaskowski, and Michael Hirn in a Brown County Courtroom, for their alleged roles in co-conspiring to murder paper mill worker, Tom Monfils.

Described in this front page article was a heart-wrenching scene of utter hopelessness and despair:

“Mike Johnson’s wife, Kim Johnson, nearly had to be carried from the courtroom. She sobbed on the courthouse steps as her daughter, Dawn, held her.”

Two and a half decades after that fateful day, as I sat at my desk putting the final touches on a writing project, my mobile phone pinged, alerting me of a Facebook notification. It was from my sista flame, Joan Van Houten; fellow social justice advocate and stepdaughter of Michael Johnson.

And staring back at me in bold letters was this forwarded message:

“Joan, Big Mike* got his parole …”

Joan and I first met in 2010 when there was talk of putting this injustice back into the public realm. We discussed plans of holding a first-time rally for the six convicted men on the very courthouse steps where her mother, Kim, had faltered. Joan and I also eventually partnered up to co-manage the Voice of Innocence FB page—a resource dedicated to ongoing developments in the Monfils case. Because of our matching names we dubbed ourselves sista flames.

Joan and I had been told recently by her stepfather that his release from prison was imminent. We were confident this would happen because of Michael Hirn’s unprecedented release (on parole) in December of 2018. I say unprecedented because anyone with knowledge of how the Dept. Of Corrections (DOC) operates, understands that prisoners who maintain their innocence are typically barred from being released on parole.

(Photo courtesy of WBAY Ch. 2 news in Green Bay, WI)                         

Twice, a date had been set for Johnson. Twice, as the day approached, the date was postponed. A third date was scheduled. To our relief, July 3rd, 2019 became the day in which Michael Johnson took his first breath of freedom in twenty-three years.

Johnson was located at the Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center in Oneida, Wisconsin—a minimum security facility a few short miles west of the Green Bay city limits. Due to its close proximity to Green Bay, I suspected there’d be a number of local media outlets present. My assumptions were confirmed when I was contacted by a few reporters from Green Bay asking if I’d be there.

I had discussed media presence with the family beforehand, to gauge their reaction to this unavoidable attention. Because of the overwhelming trauma they’d experienced from the media frenzy in the early ‘90’s, their concerns of undue scrutiny were quite real…and warranted. As with Hirn’s family, they understood that this heightened attention stems from this being a high profile case. They also understood the probability of bringing their beloved home without public scrutiny was simply not going to happen.

And while we as outsiders easily characterize these events (releases) as positive and celebratory for these folks, we neglect to realize the negative impact of the past two and a half decades and how something as positive as this event can induce amplified recollections of the somewhat faded but ever-present horrors of this nightmare. So to the media I urged caution. To the family members I offered to bridge the gap between them and the media.

View of Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center from the main highway 

Mike and I were the first to arrive at this facility at 8 a.m. The window for Johnson’s release was between 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. which gave us time to take photos, meet with family members, and speak with reporters before Johnson’s anticipated release.  

We were forewarned of the high volume of traffic on the main road in front of the building, so Mike and I parked on a side street…and waited. Soon, a vehicle turned the corner and headed in our direction. It was Mark Saxenmeyer, CEO of The Reporters Inc and his cameraman, Joe Pollock. They had come to capture footage of Michael Johnson’s release to include in their docuseries, Guilty Until Proven Innocent, same as they had done for Michael Hirn’s release in December.

WBAY Action 2 news in (Green Bay) arrived shortly after Mark and Joe. They parked on the main highway. As we moved from our current position to pull into a space in front of them, my cell phone rang. Kim Johnson was on the line…

Kim was her usual talkative self. Her voice was full of both excitement and anxiety. She was with her sister and said they were on their way to the Correctional Center. “We will be there soon,” Kim said. I warned her that some in the media had already arrived. But I assured her that I was prepared to speak to them on behalf of the family. Relief resonated in Kim’s voice. She thanked me before ending the call.

By then, reporters from multiple local news outlets, as well as one from the Post-Crescent in Appleton, had arrived and started to get situated. As I stepped out of the car near the shoulder of the highway, they gathered around to introduce themselves. With cameras and microphones in tow, all attention was aimed in my direction. It is noteworthy to point out that the respectful and patient manner of the reporters afforded me an unusual sense of calm, which helped during what became my first ever press conference.

I felt the attentiveness and interest of the reporters, and their willingness to listen to a side of the story that had gotten lost in the shuffle all those years ago. I felt their coverage later that day had adequately reflected the difficulties these families will face going forward and how the largest hurdle for them will be to gain acceptance from a community inundated in lies and misguided truths—a community that may be reluctant to exhibit compassion.

Mark Saxenmeyer of The Reporters Inc is standing on the far left

After answering questions, I spotted people gathering in the parking lot near the front door of the Correctional Center. Mike and I walked over to greet them. The press was confined to the street and was not able to follow. The only person I knew in this crowd was Kim’s sister, Bonnie. We’d gotten to know each other over many years from attending monthly FAF (Friends and Family) meetings and the courthouse rallies that had become yearly events. We hugged. Bonnie expressed deep gratitude for all I had done. “This momentous occasion is upon us because of many people who truly cared,” I said. I then asked if she’d seen Kim yet. “Kim is already inside. She brought street clothes for Michael to change into,” she explained.

Kim soon exited the front door and walked toward us. She was barely recognizable in a large floppy hat and sunglasses. A reserved smile appeared on her face as she walked toward the crowd. I approached her. She put her arms around me, holding on tight in quiet desperation. I did my best to reassure her that all would be fine. “Okay,” she conceded.

Kim Johnson holding her husband’s official release papers. Bonnie is to the left, also in white  

Mike and I met many new family members that day; siblings…children….grandchildren, and in-laws. It was a delight to meet them and to be a part of this poignant episode in an ongoing saga of unwarranted turmoil. A more appropriate description also comes to mind that was reiterated time and again by dear friend and former colleague, Johnny Johnson—that this entire case is representative of nothing more than blatant malfeasance.

Michael Johnson…free at last                                

Our attention turned toward the building’s entrance as Michael appeared touting a white cap, button-down shirt, and dark pants. In front of him was a flatbed cart, similar to what is found in a hardware store. On it were numerous cardboard boxes filled with his belongings of the past twenty-three years. Images of The Fedex Man came to mind as he expertly maneuvered the cart toward us!

Michael stood in awe at the sizable group standing before him. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and uttered thanks for this gift of freedom and the amount of support for both himself and Kim. In the next instant this restrained crowd livened a bit, engaging in hugs, elevated laughter, shameless tears, and vibrant declarations of joy! One thing was for sure. This man was loved and there was no doubt in my mind that he’d be in great hands while navigating this new reality.

The horrific circumstances that led to Johnson’s conviction back in 1995 seemed to fade into oblivion as the sight of him casually making the rounds in the bright sunshine, warmed our hearts. Having witnessed a similar sight a few months earlier when Michael Hirn was released in no way diminished the impact of this experience.

The reasons for Johnson’s conviction were largely due to the trial testimony of David Weiner; another paper mill worker who, by the time of the trial, was a convicted murderer. Thirteen months after Monfils’ body was found, he was sent to prison for murdering his own brother. Before then, approximately six months after Monfils’ body was found, and after being threatened by the authorities that he himself could be implicated for the murder of Tom Monfils, Weiner conjured a repressed memory of seeing Michael Johnson and Dale Basten facing each other and hunched over as if they were carrying something heavy toward the paper pulp vat, the day of Monfils’ disappearance. At the time, Weiner’s work station was in an obscure area near the vat and the authorities reasoned his story was plausible and that the heavy object was most likely Monfils’ body. This account fit in well with the prosecution’s alleged “bubbler confrontation” theory. After his testimony, Weiner was rewarded with immediate release from prison. Weiner served a total of 39 months of a ten-year sentence for the premeditated murder of his own brother, in his home, with a witness present! In the state’s last words to the jury before deliberations in 1995, the Assistant DA said this: “There is no evidence that he [David Weiner] is capable of that kind of vile act [murder].” Straddling a fine legal line, the state distanced Weiner as an alternative suspect in Monfils’ death. And knowledge of his murder conviction was successfully withheld from the jury as he sat testifying against Michael Johnson and Dale Basten.

This quote from Johnson sums up his personal feelings on the matter:

“As a Christian man, I recognize the trials and tribulations I must face and endure in this world (2 Tim. 3:12). I realize that as I continue to profess my innocence, I will never be allowed to leave prison. Already this prison system has sought to withdraw my medium-security classification and send me to a maximum-security institution because I continue to claim I am falsely accused and unjustly convicted of a crime I did not commit or have any knowledge about. I wait patiently for my Lord to rescue me (Luke 18:7 and Rom. 8:28). I know I didn’t harm Tom Monfils. God knows I didn’t harm Tom Monfils. I can’t understand why David Weiner pointed a finger at me like that!” – Excerpt from The Monfils Conspiracy: The Conviction of Six Innocent Men

In a 2016 podcast interview, Joan Van Houten described evidence that should have been used by her stepfather’s lawyer to help prove his innocence. Joan said during the investigation, her stepfather was approached by a local reporter who asked him if he knew Tom Monfils. Johnson told him he did and that Monfils was a nice guy who brought homemade popcorn into work to share with everyone. He stated that at work, Tom Monfils was known as the popcorn man. It was later determined that Johnson was incorrect and that the popcorn man was actually someone else. Despite these documented facts, the video of that conversation with the reporter was never offered as evidence during the trial.

The family mentioned their plans to meet at a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat. Mike and I were invited. “We’ll catch up with you after we’re through here,” I said. Then Mike and I walked back down the driveway, hand in hand, toward the street where the press once again gathered for a statement. As the caravan of vehicles drove away, the press turned to catch a quick photo of Johnson when the car he was in turned the corner. I did my best to respect the family’s privacy as I fielded questions by the press about what Johnson’s first words were, who all was present, and what message did the family want to convey.

Michael Johnson as he exits Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center for the last time. (Photo courtesy of WBAY Action 2 news in Green Bay)

When Mike and I arrived at The Bay View Family Restaurant, Mark and Joe were waiting for us in the parking lot. They’d been granted permission to catch a few intimate moments in this more relaxed setting, but wanted us to make the formal introductions first. We headed inside toward the far corner of the restaurant where the group had gathered around a large table. After introductions were made, they captured an amazing display of comradery.

We were honored to be part of this special occasion with this courageous family. Seeing them all together, cracking jokes, sharing personal stories, and discussing ordinary everyday topics seemed, well…so normal. It was gratifying to know that they could again become familiar with what is normal for the majority of folks in this country.

Mike, me, and Kim and Michael Johnson                                   

Only when similar circumstances befall us personally do we truly appreciate the scope of this kind of tragedy and the hardships that follow. Like most people, I’ve personally experienced false accusations in the past, but never any that resulted in a harsh and life-altering wrongful conviction. As I humbly speak out about the difficulties faced by those who have, I do my absolute best to truly understand and to then accurately describe the pain, the heartache, and the hopelessness that accompanies an injustice such as this.

Side note: When Mike and I returned home from Green Bay, this letter was waiting for us in our mailbox:

It is fitting to share this one last bit of information that unfortunately adds another layer to the tragic nature of this injustice. Below is a photo taken in 2013 at a Benefit for Innocence hosted by the Innocence Project of Minnesota. Kim Johnson is in the middle and to her right is Debra Johnson-Dienberg, Michael’s sister. I knew Deb quite well and was deeply saddened to learn of her untimely and sudden death in 2016. She was extremely involved with the new push to find justice for her brother (and the other men) but she never got to see the sun shining down on her “Mickey” the day he was released, or join in as he savored his first decent meal in a restaurant in twenty-four years…

But Michael Johnson will argue that she was indeed there…in spirit.

Deb, Kim, and me   

WBAY CH 2 coverage of Johnson’s release.

WLUK FOX 11 coverage.

WFRV CH 5 coverage.

NBC 26 coverage.

Green Bay Press-Gazette coverage.

* Reference of Big Mike distinguishes between Joan’s stepfather Mike and her stepbrother Mike Jr.