SHAWANO, WI- Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Judge William Kuessel issued another bench warrant for Ann Retzlaff after she once again failed to appear for a scheduled court date Tuesday.

A bench warrant was also issued back in October when Retzlaff also refused to show up for her scheduled court date.

On Tuesday, a body-only bench warrant was issued for the Shawano County campground owner, meaning once arrested, she will remain in custody until she can appear in court and will not have an option to post bond prior to that time,  according to the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Prior to her scheduled court time, Retzlaff sent multiple emails to the court indicating her reasoning for not appearing. According to Judge William Kuessel. Those letters were summed up on record.  “That is not proper filing,” said Assistant District Attorney Joesph Kaupie. “Therefore I am asking for it to be dismissed for failure to follow the Wisconsin rules of procedure. “I think these documents show quite clearly that the defendant does not seem to recognize the authority of the Wisconsin courts,” Kaupie explained. “Therefore the state has no confidence that the defendant will appear in court voluntarily regardless of the amount of bond money, and we are therefore moving for a body only bench warrant so these matters can be addressed when the defendant is present.”

The first letter was sent at 5:35 p.m Wednesday. That letter indicated that she feared for her safety coming into court due to medical reasons and mentioned concerns about COVID.  “COVID has been present for 18 months now and there was no reason to wait until 5:30 in the evening before to request special accommodation,” said  Kaupie.

Judge Kuessel agreed. “The request for special accommodations came at 5:35 the night before and that has been denied,” said Kuessel. As far as the issue with COVID concerns, this court has taken all procedures that are required for COVID and we are taking the proper precautions and she has provided no justification that she has a special need for additional precautions.”

A second email that was sent at 12:27 p.m on Tuesday explained that the last warrant was illegal because it was not signed by the Sheriff, according to the letter that was read by and paraphrased by Judge Kuessel. “I am denying that motion as there is no legal justification cited.”

The third letter was sent at 1:24 p.m to the Clerk of Courts and District Attorney that indicating in part that she would not make a special appearance as the court has no jurisdiction over her. Judge Kuessel said the letter includes other complaints against the District Attorney’s office or Clerk of Court’s office. “I am denying that motion due to not having a proper basis or justification for that, and this other stuff does not have any relevance to the case,” Judge Kuessel added.

“The court is convinced by the tone of these letters and the words in these letters that the defendant has no intention of appearing in court on her own,” said Judge Kuessel.