Tag Archives: wrongful convictions

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

A Patch of Sunlight: Message of Hope Through Real-Life Tragedies…

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In this posting I’m proudly sharing one of the most superbly written articles regarding my personal decade-long commitment to help correct a deeply flawed injustice.

The article came about as a result of my participation in a Minneapolis book fair put together by the Women Of Words (WOW); a local writing group I’ve been a part of since before my book was published.

I admire the many women who embody this highly motivated, knowledgeable, and generous group of writers that welcomed me into the fold without hesitation. Their influence and encouragement to continually summon the creative writing app in my brain, and their permission to accept the ever-present anxiety during those final days, was extremely reassuring at a crucial time.

Participating authors at the WOW book fair. (Photo courtesy of Ann Spiczka Aubitz, WOW member) 

My book, Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice for Six Innocent Men (published in 2017)—a project I had worked vigorously on for four years—was nearing completion. I was so close to the end and feeling impatient about finally broadcasting what I so passionately wanted to convey to the world; the pain and devastation forced upon countless innocent lives when six men were given life sentences for a murder they did not commit. 

Ironically, after a book is published is when the real work begins. Having your book stand out, for instance—especially among the cacophony of amazing books at events such as this one—takes creativity. My attention grabber has become my modestly concocted homemade posters made of colorful poster paper and scotch tape. However, it’s not the posters themselves that grab the attention of passers-by, but what’s on them. The latest stats and disturbingly honest testimonials from those who’ve lived the nightmare of being wrongfully convicted, usually does the trick.

At the book fair, this poster caught the eye of Michael Ireland; an unassuming gentleman who walked up to my table and began to read…

After exploring the topic of my book and the reasons for my involvement, Ireland shared his extensive background as a journalist. He also expressed an interest in highlighting this story for the Eden Prairie Patch; a local online Minnesota news network in which he writes articles for regularly. 

These are welcomed opportunities that allow me to broadcast far and wide, a message of hope and possibilities through real-life tragedies. And though sharing this mission can be somewhat discouraging, (because who wants to hear about one more problem that most feel powerless to change?), it is one that I remain steadfast in telling. I believe no matter your perceived level of ability to make change, being aware of the potential hazards in life can also be advantageous…and quite empowering. 

Without further delay, here’s the little patch of sunlight that Michael Ireland wrote on my behalf and posted on two networks he is affiliated with:

Eden Prairie Patch headline:                                                                                                                          “Reclaiming Lives” Seeks Justice for Wrongfully Accused Mill-workers

Assist News headline:                                                                                                                                      Minneapolis social justice advocate pens book to free six innocent men

By Michael Ireland May 2, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (ANS) – When Joan Treppa heard the tragic story of Wisconsin paper mill worker Tom Monfils, her highly-developed sense of injustice, her faith, a sense of call to write, and her own experience of being bullied all came together in the book “Reclaiming Lives, Pursuing Justice for Six innocent Men,” ©2017 Mill City Press, Inc.

Treppa is a social justice advocate whose focus is to create awareness about wrongful convictions. She’s a voice for the five Wisconsin men currently fighting for their freedom.

In 1992, the death of mill worker Tom Monfils, and the resulting trial of six men accused of his murder, shocked the Wisconsin community in which it occurred.

In an interview with ASSIST News, Treppa said: “People often tell me I sound like a lawyer when I share my passionate discourse for those who’ve experienced grave injustices within our criminal justice system.

“In fact, I am not a lawyer. I have no legal background whatsoever…only a fierce determination to help correct one injustice that found its way to me,” she said.

Cover artwork for Reclaiming Lives

“Aside from the unfairness of how the entire case was handled, an underlying message that jumped out for me while learning about the situation was an element of bullying. I experienced bullying throughout my childhood. In this instance bullying became the most disturbing aspect of how innocent people had been victimized and punished unjustly.

“Traumatic personal memories of the anger, the hurt from being ostracized to the point of feeling shame and self-pity, returned. A calling was borne out of the remnants of those painful experiences and I could not turn my back on individuals caught up in this highly-publicized situation that completely destroyed their lives and sent innocent people to prison for a crime they did not commit. In essence, I became one of many who were chosen to broadcast the real truths about this injustice, to reveal all that was lost in the controversy, the cover-ups, and the politics.”

Treppa described the synopsis of the case that prompted the book.

In November of 1992, paper mill worker, Tom Monfils, made a 911 call to report an impending theft within the mill by fellow mill worker, Keith Kutska. As a result, Kutska was suspended from work but learned of the 911 call during a disciplinary hearing. Afterward, Kutska made known his intent to find out who made the call and to obtain a copy of the recording.

“The police department handed over a copy to Kutska despite repeated (undocumented) calls from Monfils asking them not to. Kutska then confronted Monfils at work with the tape the following week,” she said, adding: “Soon after this confrontation, Monfils disappeared from his work station and was found the next day at the bottom of a paper pulp vat inside the mill with a rope and weight tied around his neck.”

Treppa continued: “Early in the investigation the police were told by those who worked with Monfils that he had committed suicide. But then the police learned of the police department’s critical error of releasing a copy of the tape to Kutska,” said Treppa.

“They also learned about the confrontation between Kutska and Monfils. The focus of the investigation then became more aggressive with the intent to prove this was a homicide. Kutska became their lead suspect.”

In 1995, the two-and-a-half year investigation essentially produced no solid evidence or credible eyewitnesses, said Treppa. “Despite this, a twenty-eight day joint trial ended with six men, including Keith Kutska, Reynold Moore, Dale Basten, Michael Johnson, Michael Hirn, and Michael Piaskowski, being charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Each was given a life sentence.”

Treppa acknowledged some similarities to her own life story.

“For a significant period in my life, I was robbed of my individual voice, my dignity, and sense of self,” she said. “The same happened here. But what helped me to overcome those traumas was the generosity, the kindness I received from good people who entered my life from time to time.

“Overwhelming emotions propagated my sense of duty and commitment to help these men and their families, the same way I had been helped. I felt adequately well-equipped to stand tall for them. As hurtful as it was to remember the helplessness of being made fun of incessantly, being a target of repeated name calling, and being held accountable for wrongs I had no part in committing, the empowerment I felt was even greater.”

What was it about the case that drew her interest? What is now the current state of the case and the men involved?

Treppa said becoming an advocate and an author was an unexpected deviation from all of the things that had since kept her life simple and brought great joy and satisfaction.

“My faith allowed me to believe in something larger than me. It allowed me to make a difference in that something. And it expected me to figure out how that was going to happen. Ironically, taking this new path revealed an emptiness that was stagnant for many years. Taking a stand on their behalf did two things; it gave the recipients hope while helping me to heal on an emotional as well as spiritual level,” she said.

To date, three of the six men are free. In 2001, Michael Piaskowski was exonerated by a federal judge who found no evidence of guilt against him. Dale Basten was released in 2017 due to health issues. Sadly, he died nine months later. Michael Hirn was granted parole in 2018 while maintaining his innocence. It is expected that Michael Johnson and Reynold Moore will be released on parole in 2019.

“The battle for Keith Kutska’s release is ongoing, but uncertain. To this day, all of the men have maintained their absolute innocence,” Treppa said.

Petitioning for the immediate release for the remaining incarcerated men was the main focus of her book.

“I’m ecstatic that the Parole Commission has started to grant parole to these men without asking them to admit to a crime they did not commit,” she said.

“The untold story, the aftermath, the dire challenges forced upon the men and their loved ones, and the telling of the many miracles that occurred along the way was also an important aspect.”

Treppa stated: “In the process, it was necessary to highlight the specific flaws of this case, and to enlighten those unaware of the realities and common flaws that are present in all wrongful convictions. Pointing out the shortfalls of the media outlets in that region has had an effect as well, as some have begun to look deeper into the details of this case and are questioning the validity of the police theory and the verdicts.”

Treppa hopes to inspire others to embrace their own personal callings with the belief that goodness exists if we only take the time to look, and that it is as infectious as bad behavior.

Treppa said the idea that wrongful convictions can and do happen…anywhere, to anyone, and with absolutely no warning is her-hoped for takeaway for readers.

“My greatest legacy will be realized when what I’ve written has touched hearts in the deepest sense and has motivated many to overcome their own barriers to help others.

“I wish for everyone to find that singular connection that compels them to help improve lives, and to understand why some lack the ability and/or resources to help themselves,” she said.

Treppa concluded: “When we begin to abandon judgement and make a conscious effort to embrace the difficulties of others, we contribute to the kind of place where we’d all like to live. I believe that education is an important safeguard that will ultimately prevent more wrongful convictions from happening in the future.”

“Reclaiming Lives,” is available on Amazon.com

About Michael Ireland:

Michael Ireland is an Internet journalist and Media Missionary serving as Chief Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service. He is also an ordained minister and an award-winning local cable-TV host/producer. Michael has served with Dan Wooding and ASSIST News Service (ANS) since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Follow Michael on Facebook at MichaelIrelandMediaMissionary and on Twitter at @Michael_ASSIST. Consider supporting Michael as a media missionary on his website.