Exclusive: Sturtevant President Steve Jansen Says He is Embarrassed and Sorry

Saying he is grateful for his family's unwavering support and never meant any harm, Sturtevant Village President Steve Jansen said he is also not making excuses for his behavior.

Jansen was . He was released from the Racine County Jail in the early morning hours of Wed., Feb. 8, after his family posted his $1,000 bond. on Tues., Feb. 7, Court Commissioner Alice Rudebusch reduced the bond from $5,000 to $1,000 and ordered Jansen to not have any contact with the victim via phone, electronic methods like email and text, or driving past her house.

In an exclusive conversation with Patch on Wed., Feb. 8, Jansen said he never meant any harm or malicious intent.

"She was my girlfriend, and I loved her deeply," he said. "Sometimes the heart speaks louder than the mind and that's where I'm at. Sometimes in life we need a wake-up call, and this was certainly one for me."

He also said he is embarrassed for himself and his family and grateful for his kids' support.

"My kids are so supportive, through my whole life," he said, his voice cracking. "It's very gratifying."

Jansen said his children have also told him about the support they've gotten from Sturtevant residents who have known the family for a long time.

"Our community has been really supportive, too, and I hold that dear to my heart," he said.

Jansen said he has always had a lot of respect for law enforcement, but after spending 72 hours in jail and seeing the jobs they do up close, that respect has grown.

"I see the incredible job they do and what they have to deal with, and I'm just sorry they had to waste time with me," he continued.

During his initial appearance it was determined that Jansen does not qualify for a public defender, and Rudebusch ordered him to have his own attorney when he comes to court for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 15. Jansen said he has left a message for a local lawyer and hopes that person will take his case.

Until or unless Jansen is convicted of the felony charge, he will continue as Village President, saying his personal situation shouldn't have anything to do with the village.

"I think we're doing great work for the village and I want to keep on doing it," he said. "Working on the board is a passion of mine."

Still, he does recognize that if he does end up with a felony conviction, he will be unable to hold elected office. Jansen said he's not going to make excuses or try and play a "poor me" or sympathy card.

"I'm not going to try and misplace blame. I will accept the consequences of my actions," he added. "It's better to deal with this head-on, put it behind us and keep moving forward."