Tag Archives: Green Bay Wisconsin

Meeting Expectations…

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Michael Hirn. Photo courtesy of WBAY Ch. 2 Green Bay, Wisconsin

It’s disgusting to still hear the harsh portrayal of six paper mill workers from Green Bay, Wisconsin, convicted of an alleged “murder plot” in 1995. The murder theory was never really proven, at least not to the satisfaction of anyone other than those motivated to turn a tragic suicide into a murder. To this day, when this case comes up in certain circles or in the news, these men are characterized as “union thug conspirators” and “murderers” and the whole alleged “bubbler” incident gets rehashed all over again.

When monitoring social media news sites whenever a story is published about this case, I’m amazed at the lack of knowledge and/or misinformation still out there. Despite a more recent investigation and repeated coverage during the 2015 hearing for Keith Kutska, people are relatively still in the dark about what most likely happened. I believe the ignorance persists for two reasons. 1. “Guilters” are only that and are seldom interested in becoming educated. 2. Because coverage rarely includes the “new” and more recent information made public during the hearing that clearly leans toward suicide. It’s like the news outlets are afraid or unwilling to tell that side of the story. I get why that is. It’s because they dare not offend the DA’s office or the Police Dept; two entities the media heavily relies on for critical information for future stories. Simply put, they need to keep those crucial lines of communication open…and cooperative. This sad fact is true, especially within smaller communities like Green Bay.

Having befriended these men over the years and meeting them all face to face more than once, my impressions of them are vastly different from that of the general public. And in my ongoing mission to tell their side of this very tragic story, it is my pleasure to introduce my readers to them on occasion. I feel it is important to give the men a face, a voice from behind bars, and a chance to gain additional support from those who might not otherwise know anything about them other than what they’ve read or seen in news clips. Doing so at this time is especially important. The very real reality that at least some of these men are now being granted parole, is upon us.

I told you earlier that Dale Basten was given “compassionate release” in 2017 due to his failing health and the high cost of his medical care. Unfortunately, nearly nine months later, Dale passed away. And now we just learned in December of 2018 that Michael Hirn has been granted parole. I’m excited to announce he will be released the week before Christmas!

I blogged about the incredible visit my husband, Mike, and I had in February of 2015 with Keith Kutska. You may recall that Keith was the alleged ring leader of the “angry mob” that supposedly gathered on November 21, 1992 to beat up Tom Monfils.

On Saturday, April 18, 2015 we drove to Oregon, WI which is just South of Madison, to the Oak Hill Correctional Institution*. This time we were visiting Michael Hirn; the youngest of the six men.

Main entrance at Oak Hill Correctional, Oregon, Wisconsin 

To add a little background that separates Michael from the others, back when this case was being investigated, aside from readily taking and passing four polygraph tests (which all of the men took and passed), Michael pushed to have the FBI involved in the investigation. The FBI did arrive on the scene but left soon afterward. I have no insight as to why that is. But like all of the others, Michael found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time the day Tom Monfils went missing. And there still are too many unanswered questions regarding this case.

For this visit we were under special visit status due to Michael’s full visitation list. We had completed the requirements for a one-time visit only. We approached the front desk and presented our ID’s. However, the guard could not find the form we had filled out in the appropriate blue folder. He was apologetic as he searched for the information that would confirm our visit. And he was kind enough to also acknowledge our long drive. He made a call to another guard who finally found the missing form in another location and, after a sigh of relief, sent us on our way to the visiting room.

We were directed to table #30 on the far side of the room. Many tables near us were occupied. Similar to our visit with Keith, the atmosphere was relaxed…and normal. We waited a few moments before Michael appeared. I waved to signal our presence. We exchanged smiles while he checked in. This experience was oddly familiar given it was only our second visit to a prison.

As Michael approached he shook hands with my husband. They hugged. Then it was my turn to receive a hug. We were delighted to finally meet him. We had been scheduled for a visit a month earlier but when the form was being processed, Michael was unexpectedly transferred from Fox Lake Correctional to Oak Hill, a medium security prison. The paperwork had gotten lost but thanks to Ms. Miller, Michael’s Social Worker at Fox Lake, the process was expedited.

Michael, like Keith, is kind, thoughtful, courteous, and talkative. We knew from his many letters that he is outspoken about our judicial system and very intent on working to correct its many flaws as soon as he is able. We had told him then that we will be there to support him when that time comes. And so his new life will soon begin…definitely with our support and the support of many others.

While in the throws of discussing the new developments in the case and the encouragement of renewed possibilities during the visit, Michael’s smile appeared time and again. It was a blessing to him…and to us. We three were becoming comfortable in each other’s presence when, forty minutes into our visit, a guard walked over to our table.

“Is it okay if two other visitors join you?” he asked.

Michael’s Aunt Marlene and Uncle Terry had arrived at the front desk. Michael was pleasantly surprised and we, of course, were eager to meet more of the clan. Aunt Marlene and Uncle Terry were anyone’s Aunt and Uncle; full of smiles and excitement as they sauntered in. Mike and I immediately felt at home with them. We hugged and we laughed. Mike and I learned that they had visited often over the years. Michael’s dry sense of humor surfaced when he introduced me as the “instigator” in the recent legal activities. Marlene, now sitting next to me, thanked me and offered another hug as tears fell. She then looked directly at Michael,

“I don’t know how you maintain such a positive attitude under such circumstances,” she said.

Michael told her “It is because of the support from so many that keeps me strong.”

My heart wept for Marlene and Terry’s pain over the course of so many years. It was obvious they relied heavily on each other for support. I felt grateful for their collective strength. They didn’t dwell on anger but a concern for Michael’s welfare. Their genuine love for him radiated.

The three-hour visit progressed rapidly. I wanted to have pictures taken so, the appropriate form was filled out. We were soon called over to the picture taking station by an inmate who’d be taking them. Unlike the experience during our visit with Keith, I was successful in getting both Mike’s to smile!

Marlene and Terry opted out of the pictures. “We are waiting for the day when Michael is released,” they said.

We then purchased and devoured ice cream bars. How good it felt at that moment to be a part of this mission…and these lives.

In the lobby following our visit, we spent time speaking with Marlene and Terry. We exchanged contact information. We felt honored by their expression of gratitude toward what we were doing for Michael. They thanked us for taking the time to visit their beloved nephew. The story of Marlene and Terry is the story of thousands who have lost precious years with loved ones due to a wrongful conviction. The resounding constant is the level of resilience and courage that so many of them possess.

Just before this visit, I had done as I always do, sent my most recent blog piece to all of the men which described our visit with Keith. In Michael’s letter he referenced our upcoming visit and mentioned that Keith had set the bar pretty high. He admitted he was feeling the pressure to make sure we had an even better visit. Honestly, Michael had nothing to worry about. This visit vastly outweighed any expectations we may have had for that day. We’ve again been blessed with insight into the integrity of another courageous soul…and his family.

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Mike and Joan Treppa with Michael Hirn. (Photo courtesy of Oak Hill Correctional Institution)       

*Michael was moved to and will be released from McNaughton Correctional Center in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Providing a Safe Haven…

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Green Bay Press-Gazette Newspaper Headline:

December 19, 2010

Friends and families of 6 convicted in paper mill worker Tom Monfils’ death form ‘truth in conviction’ group 

‘Conspiracy’ book bolsters mission’

By Paul Srubas – psrubas@greenbaypressgazette.com

It started as a book proclaiming the innocence of the men convicted of the 1992 murder of Tom Monfils in a Green Bay paper mill. The book, “The Monfils Conspiracy: The Conviction of Six Innocent Men,” helped bring together the friends and families of the five men still in prison and the sixth man, Mike Piaskowski, who was freed in 2001 when a federal judge overturned his conviction. Now those friends and families and Piaskowski are hoping their unified voices will help spread the book’s message, free the remaining five and perhaps have an even wider impact on the criminal justice system.

“We’re calling ourselves Truth in Conviction Alliance-Brown County Chapter, said Joan Van Houten, stepdaughter of Michael Johnson, one of the convicted men.” We’re looking for accountability for police and courts. We’ll need groups in each county. Our prime goal is to bring these five home, but along with that, we can’t continue asking for help, saying ‘listen to us,’ if we’re not listening ourselves,” she said. “We want everyone to know this can happen to you, too.”

Michael Johnson, Piaskowski and four others — Keith Kutska, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten and Rey Moore — were convicted in a Brown County courtroom of conspiracy to murder Monfils. Monfils, 35, disappeared Nov. 21, 1992, while he was working at the then-James River Mill. His body was found a day later at the bottom of a paper-pulp vat with a weight tied to his neck. The defendants and members of their families have claimed from the onset of the investigation that the six men had nothing to do with Monfils’ death. Their claim received a boost last year when Denis Gullickson and Piaskowski’s former brother-in-law, John Gaie, published “The Monfils Conspiracy” book that spells out what the authors see as flaws in the case. The two men, with Piaskowski’s help, spent eight years researching the case, reading police and court documents and interviewing people.

Their book claims that overzealous and shoddy police work caused investigators to develop a faulty theory about an altercation at the mill in the hour before Monfils’ disappearance and then to connect the six men to that altercation. The state claimed all six men were inextricably linked, and if that’s true, the book says in effect, Piaskowski’s innocence exonerates the other five. The federal judge overturned Piaskowski’s conviction because of a lack of evidence. Brown County District Attorney John Zakowski, who prosecuted the original case, stands by the police work, the investigators’ theory and the convictions. Zakowski says the federal judge erred in overturning Piaskowski’s conviction, a claim that rankles Piaskowski and members of Van Houten’s fledgling group.

“He must be above the law, right?” said Brenda Kutska, who is married to Keith Kutska’s son. Gullickson, who along with Gaie and Piaskowski, is also a member of Van Houten’s alliance. The three men made a habit of meeting weekly to do research for their book and organize it and later, to strategize about marketing it and continuing to work to clear the remaining defendants’ names. Families of the other defendants also were working behind the scenes, trying to contact lawyers to continue appeals processes.

It wasn’t until the book was ready for publication in fall of 2009 that the authors and family members all got together. “We figured it was strategically important to get everyone together, and then we realized it was the first time the families have all been together since the trial,” Gullickson said. “Something poignant about that was, each of the families knew their loved one was innocent but didn’t know the others were” until they learned collectively of the authors’ findings.

Since then, they’ve been trying to meet regularly, to share information and tips, offer each other moral support and strategize. So far the strategy has involved trying to raise public awareness through writing letters and promoting the book. Gullickson said they’ve gotten the book into the hands of several elected leaders and judges, and it helped them enlist a Minneapolis private investigator to look more deeply into the case.

The investigator, John Johnson, said he’s helping the effort at no charge after having read the book three times. He said he has put together a task force of engineers, a forensics expert and three retired federal investigators to look at evidence in the case.

In October, the group organized a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the men’s arrests. This week, the group’s third formal meeting involved the development of the group’s name, the Truth in Conviction Alliance, and discussion of how to involve families and groups who are fighting for the exoneration of other convicted men. “It’s a learning process,” Van Houten said. “None of us really knows what we’re doing, it’s all trial and error, but if we can help provide information we’ve learned, we can help you with your legal issues.” There are hundreds of innocent people in prison. You have one group working here, another working there, and if you look at all these groups, instead of having all those micro-groups, you have one big group, now it’s a full-force campaign.”

©2015 Press-Gazette Media

This article appeared on the newspaper’s front page. It was the first time residents were exposed to the formation of a significant group that gathered in Allouez; a small subdivision of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Once a month friends and family of the men convicted in the Tom Monfils murder case meet at the home of Shirley DeLorme; a woman who realized that Mike Hirn had been in her speech class at DePere High School. She understood there is more to this Monfils case than meets the eye. One day, she talked of her son’s feelings toward Michael Piaskowski that had formed while working closely with him. “…had my husband not died of stomach cancer and had I therefore not invited my son Bob to live with me, I would never have heard Bob say, “Mom, that man, is not a murderer!” Shirley was further introduced to the discrepancies in the case by her good friend, John Gaie, who co-authored The Monfils Conspiracy; the book that questions the guilt of each of the six men. Shirley found ample reason to get involved. She did what she could by hosting monthly meetings in her home.

Friends and Family Group Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Press Gazette

Shirley DeLorme and exoneree Mike Piaskowski at Shirley’s home. (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Press-Gazette)

Six years later, this group still meets monthly (except for December) to discuss the latest developments, to keep in touch, and to partake in the enjoyment of Shirley’s fabulous homemade chili, sloppy Joes, or her special recipe of homemade fudge. Her kindness gives relief to the friends and families, knowing they have a gathering place that is shielded from the ignorance of those unwilling to accept the true facts in the matter.

The group changed its name to FAF (Friends and Families) and an alliance with other communities has yet to evolve. Having been to numerous meetings and witnessing an emotional bond that has cemented a comradery for the many involved in this injustice, I’d say that what was needed to happen has been accomplished…for the time being. These people were set apart by their own tragedy. Acknowledging each other brought back the horror of a past that promised no future resolution. So for them it was easier to deal with things on their own. Now in the midst of renewed hope and energy, a recent meeting included conversation full of optimism; a far cry from the earlier days when the road to freedom was non-existent.

Like me, Shirley has no connection to this tragedy other than an indirect one, but after learning about this injustice she selflessly stepped in to help. She’s lost friends over her involvement and has devoted precious time to its success. She proudly acts as host and secretary; taking notes at every meeting and typing them up for distribution to the rest of the group. She is to be commended for providing a safe haven for folks in a town not shy about airing its opinions.

A New Chapter…

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Meeting someone who’s been in prison for a crime they did not commit is very humbling. But observing within them, an attitude more positive than many of us not affected by our judicial system, is surprising…and noteworthy. Mario Victoria Vasquez is such a person. He is conscientious, thoughtful, kind, patient and grateful for his new found freedom and for the outpouring of support he has received through his terrifying ordeal. Mario is also proud. He harbors anger because of what happened to him but he does not let it dominate his overall temperament despite these past circumstances…

“On February 5, 1998, the parents of a four-year-old girl took her to the St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green bay, WI because she had been complaining for two days of pain while urinating. The girl told a nurse that “Mario” had touched her. Based on a physical examination which revealed sores and vaginal irritation, hospital staff determined the girl had been sexually assaulted. A swab was taken and tested positive for genital herpes. The girl’s mother believed she was referring to 34-year-old Mario Victoria Vasquez, the babysitter’s brother-in-law who lived at the babysitter’s house. However, the uncle had disclosed to authorities that the girl sometimes referred to him (the uncle) as “Mario”. A Green Bay Police Detective questioned the girl alone. According to him, she volunteered that she had been touched by her uncle, father and babysitter’s husband as well, but on February 6, 1998, Vasquez was the one arrested and charged with first-degree sexual assault of a minor. Tests were never performed to determine where the disease originated from and the defense counsel was negligent in requesting that an expert be called in to debate; (a) the validity of the testimony of a four-year-old; (b) her obvious confusion of the facts throughout the process, (c) evidence of interviewer bias.  

Mario had served close to seventeen years of his twenty-year sentence, all the while, maintaining his innocence. He was unexpectedly released from prison on the evening of Friday, January 30, 2015 after a hearing earlier that day to request a new trial. The assault victim, now an adult, had finally come forward to disclose who her true assailants were.

Although this was reason enough for Mario to celebrate, the circumstances surrounding his actual release were not. Mario walked out of the Brown County jail in the middle of a chilly wintry night…alone. He was equipped with inadequate clothing–a light jacket, no hat or gloves, and no means to contact a family member to pick him up. He was forced to go back into the jail to ask if he could use their phone. It was sheer luck that he remembered his son James’ phone number.

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Exoneree Mario Victoria Vasquez and Joan Treppa 

Up until the present, I had only known Mario through letters. We had corresponded since August of 2013 because of a conversation I had with his ex-wife, Darcy. Both Darcy and my sister, Clare, are friends who live in Green Bay. Darcy became upset one day while the three of us chatted at my sister’s house after I brought up my recent involvement in the Monfils case. “I cannot be concerned over that case when no one cares that my ex-husband, Mario, also sits in prison for a crime he did not commit.” she said. “Tell me about him,” I said. Our conversation prompted me to start writing to Mario.

I told my sidekick, Johnny, about this case. He did an investigative evaluation of the facts. He then confirmed that Mario’s case was fraught with the same kinds of issues and inconsistencies as in the Monfils case. He found out that the same prosecutor and assistant DA worked on both cases within a few years of each other; a connection that sent up huge red flags. Mario was already under the guise of the Wisconsin Innocence Project (WIP) by then, though he felt discouraged because of how long it was taking to get his case through the courts. I encouraged him to give them time and assured him that they were doing their very best for him.

The essence of Mario’s letters embodied the utmost respect for others. He struck me as an educated and well-versed individual. I sensed he was hard working and motivated to continue on with a productive and meaningful life. He maintained integrity despite his tragic misfortune. His letters were similar to reading poetry. In them, he shared acts of kindness toward other prisoners through mentoring and friendship. The more I learned, the more I wanted to meet him. 

On the evening of Tuesday, February 10, 2015, I came face to face with my pen pal. For a moment, Mario and I stood there, staring at each other as though this was a dream. We marveled at the ability to share a handshake, a joke, laughter, tears and a hug. Still, Mario’s fate hung in the balance. A hearing was to be held the following day to determine whether or not this nightmare would be over. Although I was optimistic, Mario would not be at peace until he received word from the Judge that he was absolved of all charges. There was an edginess in his temperament and I did my best to grasp what he was feeling. I reassured him that no matter what, I would stand by him.

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A Family Reunited; Darcy, James and Mario 

My sister, Clare, hosted this informal gathering of close friends and family on Tuesday evening. Darcy, their son James, and James’ girlfriend, Sarah, were present. It was the first time this family had been together since Mario was charged in 1998. We all savored the moment…that evening…this miracle.

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Exonerees Mario and Mike “Pie” 

Also invited to this special gathering was Michael “Pie” Piaskowski, the exoneree from the Monfils case, along with his girlfriend, Teresa. Mike Pie and Mario became fast friends. They sat together, sharing individual stories with eerie similarities. Many emotions were felt that evening; anger, sadness, and disgust for a system gone awry. But we focused on new possibilities and a brighter future for Mario, Mike Pie, and for the many innocent people in prison who have yet to be vindicated.

WIP attorney's Cristina, Katie, Kyle and Curtiss

Mario (center) with WIP Attorneys; Cristina, Catie, Kyle and Curtis 

The next day, the hearing for Mario commenced at 1:30 pm in room 200 of the Brown County Courthouse. Cristina Borde, Mario’s lead attorney from the WIP, had mentioned the proceedings would be brief so we arrived early. Mike Pie, Clare, Darcy, and I waited in the hallway with approximately twenty-five of Mario’s family members. Excitement grew when the innocence project team walked in. Their presence lent a sense of comfort and excitement similar to the climax of a tense western film when the cavalry arrives on the scene to save the day! Mario was ecstatic to see all of us. This was his moment. We were his bravado!

We all entered the small courtroom. We sat and waited. In walked the former Brown County Assistant District Attorney, Larry Lasee, with a sour look on his face. He kept his gaze lowered as he sat in his designated chair. He began scribbling furiously on the notepad in front of him. We rose and settled in again after Judge Hammer entered. Cristina rose and began by defending Mario’s innocence. Mr. Lasee clarified his view in regard to Mario’s absolute guilt. He then added that the DA’s office would not be pursuing a new trial in this matter. The Judge displayed a puzzled look and defined the series of events prompting this hearing; that Mr. Lasee had, in fact, interviewed the witness, now an adult, who disclosed the true identities of two perpetrators! I could not make out the muffled response by Mr. Lasee but I had heard all I needed to. It was clear. There would be no more prison time for Mario. He would be free to rebuild his life.

The last thing we heard was what we, as supporters, had hoped for. The Judge looked at Mario and said,”Mr. Vasquez, you are free to go.” We clapped loudly as Mr. Lasee quickly found his way to the door. As he slithered through it, I thought, “Good riddance,” and dismissed him altogether before devoting any more of my energy on his misdeeds. Now was the time to focus on Mario and on the difficult road ahead. It was exhilarating to think that what had started on paper for the two of us was about to continue on with a new chapter in living…

Note: Eight months after Mario’s exoneration hearing, I was with him in front of the Brown County Courthouse one pleasant October afternoon as we prepared for an annual Walk for Truth and Justice. We happened upon Mr. Lasee as he walked up the sidewalk toward us and the building. Mario addressed him and pressed him about the lack of action taken in this case. “Mr. Lasee, are you going to arrest the two men who abused that little girl? You know who they are.” Mr. Lasee’s response was brief. “I cannot discuss that,” he said as he quickly made his way to the front door. And in a defeated tone, Mario shared his deepest suspicions and most dire concern for the then little girl. “I know for a fact that the abuse of this little angel continued for many years after I was convicted.”

Mario on The National Registry of Exonerations.

Post-Crescent article.