Shorewood Attorney Accused Of Spitting On Teen Wants To Apologize

SHOREWOOD, WI — An attorney representing Stephanie Rapkin, the woman accused of spitting on a black teen during a George Floyd-related protest march, shoving a protester in front of her house and kneeing an officer in the groin, said she would like to apologize to both protesters.

According to state law, Stephanie Rapkin could serve up to 18 months prison if she's convicted of the disorderly conduct-hate crime charge against her, which is considered a misdemeanor. She could also serve up to three years behind bars if convicted of the battery charge against her, which is considered a felony crime.

Rapkin appeared in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Thursday for her initial appearance. During her appearance, Judge David Feiss issued her a $5,000 cash bond and orders not to contact any victims, with one notable exception. Video of the hearing can be viewed here.

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Attorney Jason Luczak, who is representing Rapkin, told Judge Feiss and attorneys representing both protesters that "We would like to formally meet with them, and talk and discuss with them to formally apologize," Luczak said.

Matthew Pinix is representing Eric Lucas, the Shorewood High School student accusing Rapkin in the spitting incident on June 2. Michael Maistelman is representing Joe Friedman, a protester who is accusing Rapkin of shoving him when he stood outside her house on June 3.

"We hope that this incident can be a learning experience for the public about the need to address the systematic racial injustices that plague our country," Friedman said in a statement through his attorney Thursday. "If sitting down with Attorney Rapkin will further this goal, we would be willing to do so. However, we are reluctant to do so if this is just a publicity stunt on her behalf."

Luczak said he would like to pursue that type of meeting if attorneys representing both protesters agreed to such a meeting.

The announcement caught both attorneys off-guard during Thursday's hearing, who both told the court they had not heard of Rapkin's overtures until they were announced during the hearing.