Community Corner

Sturtevant Village President Sentenced In Stalking Case

Sturtevant Village President Steve Jansen will be on probation for 18 months, need to follow through with psychological treatment, and pay a $1,000 fine for stalking his ex-girlfriend for over a year.

Racine County Felony Court Judge Timothy Boyle also sentenced Jansen to 90 days in jail for two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and one misdemeanor count of unlawful use of a computer. However, the jail sentence would not be imposed pending the completion of his probation.

Boyle said he wanted Jansen to immediately be put in jail if he didn't comply with the terms of the plea agreement, which included not having contact with the victim.

"The victim now lives a life of paranoia," Boyle said. "Her fear is that Mr. Jansen will be behind every tree or behind every corner or behind every person in a crowd wherever she is... unfortunately, you (Jansen) caused that in this person. I truly hope you realize the trauma you have done to this victim.

"It's truly sad. I hope you've done some soul searching as to what you've done to this individual."

Jansen apologized for his actions.

"I am very sorry for the trauma or the things she felt I was trying to do," he said. "I've always tried to live my life with character and with a great reputation. I've realized that these past couple of years have been tinged a little bit, but I will continue to strive to support my kids and do the best that I can do.

"But I did make a mistake and I do accept responsibility for it."

According to the criminal complaint filed last spring, Jansen and the woman, who lives in Mount Pleasant, were dating but she broke it off in January 2011. After the break-up, emails and text messages from Jansen continued, despite several warnings from both the woman and police to stop.

In January 2012, the woman told police she feared for her safety and was afraid to leave her home, to work in her yard, or walk her dog. On Feb. 2, Jansen sent the victim another email with statements about insanity and the definition of insanity and how that might pertain to him. The email also included a link to a YouTube video.

When Mount Pleasant Police contacted Jansen on Feb. 5, the criminal complaint alleges, he admitted to sending emails, letters and leaving rambling messages for the victim on her voice mail but that he didn't really expect her to respond. He also admitted to sending emails, letters and leaving rambling messages for the victim on her voice mail but that he didn't really expect her to respond.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant