Latest news with #DavidVanderleest
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Father and son accused in toddler's death appear in Brown County court
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A father and son accused of being connected to the death of a 2-year-old boy appeared in court Monday for a probable cause and bond hearing. 'I really am stressing and hoping that this monster can stay behind bars,' a member of the victim's family said during the hearing. Multiple people face felonies after drugs, firearms found in Wisconsin raids James and David Vanderleest were arrested in connection with the child's death and appeared in court for the first time Monday. The court sealed the probable cause statements in the case, a move David Vanderleest opposed, saying he wanted the records to be open to the public. 'Why are we allowing prosecutors just to lie against the Vanderleest family?' David said in court. 'That's normally what happens in this town. You're gonna do what you wanna do.' David Vanderleest, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly, is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. He is prohibited from having contact with his son or the victim's family. James Vanderleest's bond was set at $2 million. He is also barred from contacting anyone involved in the case. 'Two million dollars — my family doesn't even have a million dollars,' James said in court. 'I've went completely bankrupt. You guys can order whatever you want, but I don't think two million or $100,000 for my dad's bond is acceptable.' Wisconsin inmate convicted of murdering cellmate at Taycheedah Correctional Institution Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil told the court that James instructed the child's mother and his father to lie to police and said he had already tried contacting the victim's family while in jail. Both men are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing in July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Green Bay man charged with harboring a felon in relation to reckless homicide charge against his son
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Green Bay father was in court on Thursday as he faces charges of harboring/aiding a felon and resisting an officer. 48-year-old David Vanderleest was in court on accusations that he lied to officials with the Green Bay Police Department to protect his son, concerning two-year-old Leo Escalante's death. 'Violent behavior will not be tolerated': Wisconsin's biggest city addresses gun violence in downtown entertainment area The following charges have officially been filed against David: Harboring or Aiding a Felon Class G Felony – Possible punishment includes up to $25,000 in fines and/or 10 years in prison Obstructing an Officer Class A Misdemeanor – Possible punishment includes up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to nine months in prison In Davids' criminal complaint, acquired by Local 5, police say he was interviewed by local officers when he claimed to be the only one at home when Escalante had to be airlifted to a hospital, where he died from injuries on June 23. The interview reportedly continued, and David began complaining about the 'system' and admitted to lying to the police 'to protect his son.' According to the complaint, David said to charge him with contempt, and that he didn't 'give a (expletive)' as he continued to complain, claiming that local courts are violating people's right to a speedy trial. David also mentioned in an interview that James had a lot of emotional problems, and that James had finally eaten for the first time in several days. The two were arrested at a cabin in Florence County after a search warrant. Sheboygan PD releases statement on teen's drowning at quarry, arrest made for online threat David is set for an additional hearing on July 22 at 2 p.m. Local 5 will provide updates as needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
