Judge Denies Change of Venue For Shorewood Spitter Trial

SHOREWOOD, WI —Shorewood attorney Stephanie Rapkin will have to stand trial in Milwaukee County after a judge on Thursday denied her defense attorney's request to have the trial moved to another county, the Journal Sentinel reported.

Rapkin, 64, is charged with disorderly conduct, with a hate crime enhancer, after a video showed her spitting at a 17-year-old-boy during last June's protests in Shorewood that erupted in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Rapkin, who is white, had blocked the marchers with her car. The teen, who is Black, was among several protesters who confronted Rapkin on the sidewalk.

Additionally, Rapkin is charged with battery on a police officer, which is a felony, for a confrontation outside her home that occurred during her arrest.

Rapkin's attorney said the extensive publicity surrounding the case would prevent Rapkin from getting a fair trial in Milwaukee County. The attorney also moved to have the hate crime enhancer dismissed and filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained from inside Rapkin's home on the day of her arrest.

Circuit Court Judge Glenn Yamahiro gave multiple reasons for denying the change-of-venue request.

"I'm not convinced we can't find a fair jury in Milwaukee County," Yamahiro said, according to the Journal Sentinel. "In addition, whether or not the hate crime enhancer stands, it's important we attempt to procure a diverse jury panel, and I don't think the answer to that is getting one from Waukesha or Ozaukee counties."

Meanwhile, a ruling on the motion to suppress evidence from Rapkin's arrest was delayed because of technical difficulties during the virtual hearing. The judge was unable to see police body camera video from the day of Rapkin's arrest, so the hearing adjourned early and is scheduled to resume April 27.

Judge Yamahiro did grant the defense request to separate the two charges against Rapkin, meaning each will be tried separately. However, no trial date has been set.

Read more at JSonline.com.