Tag Archives: wrongful convictions

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!

 

 

And Justice for Whom…Exactly?

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                                        Sketch of Tom Monfils by Artist Jared Manninen

I was contacted recently by Kelli Arseneau; a reporter with the Green Bay Press Gazette/Post Crescent in Appleton, WI. She explained that with the 30th anniversary of Tom Monfils’ death approaching, they were putting together an article that would include a “summary of events that occurred, the trial, and its aftermath.” She asked if I’d be interested in speaking with her to share some of the things I’ve learned through my research.

I declined. Given the focus of the article, it made more sense for me to step aside. Besides, it was too unclear to me the value my opinion might bring to her piece. I explained that I did not have anything more to say other than what had already been printed in my book. I suggested that she review it and use its content. I then offered to send her a copy. I cannot know how much content was pulled from the book, but the book itself was mentioned in the article.

Aside from a few misstated details, the article was very well researched and written. It is the most comprehensive and yes, objective article about this case that I have seen to date.

It was refreshing to see, laid out in amazing detail, exactly how the police had failed the victim, Tom Monfils first. In turn, I feel that it illustrates how the courts then failed the six men.

                             Pictured (LtoR) Tom Monfils, Dale Basten, Michael Johnson,                                                  Michael Hirn, Reynold Moore, Keith Kutska, and Michael Piaskowski

Toward the end, this online version* includes a powerful statement by exoneree Michael Piaskowski.

After the article was posted on social media sites, I did as I always do. I monitored the comment sections. It broke my heart to see this exchange, which illustrates exactly how there has been absolutely no justice for either side:

Comment: “Put it to rest.”

Response by someone who was personally affected by this case: “—, we would all like to put it to rest but some of us care about the truth. I’m not being mean and I understand your view.”

There are too many cases with flaws similar to this one. We all must do better if we want to achieve a more “just” system for ALL!

*Note that all online versions have much more content than any of the printed versions.

Unrelenting Journey of Hope…

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October 2nd; International Wrongful Conviction Day.

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

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

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

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

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

Over-the-phone interview via Kirk House Publishers:

Participation in the Rosemount Country Faire in Rosemount, MN.

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

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

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

A Passion to Correct an Injustice

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

Joan Treppa is the Erin Brockovich of the Criminal Justice System

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

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

Copies can be ordered through my website via Paypal

Through my publisher

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

(Minneapolis) Once Upon A Crime

(Stillwater)  Valley Bookseller

On Amazon

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