Key Takeaways
- • Judge Michelle Havas increased bail from $200,000 to $2 million in a Milwaukee County kidnapping case, citing jailhouse statements indicating the defendant posed an ongoing threat to the victim.
- • A 22-year-old Franklin resident (Angelo Liberto) was accused of kidnapping and attempting to sexually assault a woman after she declined his romantic advances; prosecutors alleged he told a cellmate he intended to "finish the job" upon release.
- • The defendant allegedly produced a firearm during the incident, handcuffed the victim, and drove toward a secluded location while making threatening statements about harming her; the victim called 911 while restrained.
- • Judge Havas's decision to substantially increase bail in a "rare move" reflects judicial discretion to elevate bond amounts when evidence suggests imminent danger to a victim or public safety, overriding initial bail schedules.
- • The case illustrates how jailhouse informant testimony and prosecutorial arguments regarding flight risk and public danger can trigger significant upward adjustments to cash bond requirements prior to trial.
Summary
A Milwaukee County judge made a rare decision to increase cash bail from $200,000 to $2 million for a 22-year-old Franklin man accused of kidnapping and attempted sexual assault. Judge Michelle Havas's decision came during a preliminary hearing on Tuesday after prosecutors presented evidence of statements the defendant allegedly made to another inmate suggesting he intended to harm the victim further if released.
According to law enforcement testimony, the defendant picked up the victim on May 29th under false pretenses—telling her they would attend a bar together. Once in the vehicle, he allegedly revealed a firearm, ordered her into the backseat, and handcuffed her to the car door while demanding her cell phone. Milwaukee Police Detective Zachary Johnson testified that the defendant stated something along the lines of "I'm going to use you like you used me," with the victim believing he intended to kill her. The defendant reportedly drove the vehicle toward a lake house while the victim remained handcuffed.
The victim managed to reach her phone while restrained and contacted both 911 and her mother, leading to police intervention. The jailhouse informant allegation proved pivotal: prosecutors presented testimony that after his initial bail was posted, the defendant told a cellmate he intended to "finish the job" or "complete the job" that he had started. This disclosure regarding potential continued danger to the victim prompted Judge Havas to depart from the initial bail amount.
The bond increase reflects judicial authority to elevate cash bond requirements when evidence suggests a defendant poses a credible threat to public safety or a specific victim. Under criminal law procedures, judges retain discretion to modify bail conditions based on new evidence presented during preliminary hearings, particularly when witnesses testify to statements indicating imminent danger or flight risk. The $2 million cash bond—a substantial elevation—effectively restricts the defendant's release pending trial unless the full amount is posted directly to the court.
According to law enforcement testimony, the defendant picked up the victim on May 29th under false pretenses—telling her they would attend a bar together. Once in the vehicle, he allegedly revealed a firearm, ordered her into the backseat, and handcuffed her to the car door while demanding her cell phone. Milwaukee Police Detective Zachary Johnson testified that the defendant stated something along the lines of "I'm going to use you like you used me," with the victim believing he intended to kill her. The defendant reportedly drove the vehicle toward a lake house while the victim remained handcuffed.
The victim managed to reach her phone while restrained and contacted both 911 and her mother, leading to police intervention. The jailhouse informant allegation proved pivotal: prosecutors presented testimony that after his initial bail was posted, the defendant told a cellmate he intended to "finish the job" or "complete the job" that he had started. This disclosure regarding potential continued danger to the victim prompted Judge Havas to depart from the initial bail amount.
The bond increase reflects judicial authority to elevate cash bond requirements when evidence suggests a defendant poses a credible threat to public safety or a specific victim. Under criminal law procedures, judges retain discretion to modify bail conditions based on new evidence presented during preliminary hearings, particularly when witnesses testify to statements indicating imminent danger or flight risk. The $2 million cash bond—a substantial elevation—effectively restricts the defendant's release pending trial unless the full amount is posted directly to the court.
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