H.O.T. Government says Racine County has delayed or failed to respond to several public-records requests involving former Deputy Preston Kite and Captain Cary Madrigal’s June 3 duty roster. The Sheriff’s Office allegedly never answered two Kite-related requests, including one delivered by certified mail, while Corporation Counsel estimated that other records might not be produced until approximately August 12—one day after the August 11 sheriff’s primary.
The release also says the county confirmed that UKG audit records showing changes to Madrigal’s duty roster exist and were preserved, but had not produced them or claimed an exemption. H.O.T. contrasts that delay with Kenosha Joint Services, which responded to related requests within days and supplied more than 180 pages of records.
H.O.T. argues that the matter has become an open-government issue, noting that officials involved in withholding or overseeing the records have publicly endorsed Madrigal. The organization says it may pursue remedies under Wisconsin’s Public Records Law and has published the correspondence, roster versions, certified-mail receipt, and preservation records for the public to review.
UPDATE SINCE RELEASE:
Following H.O.T. Government’s press release and request for a firm production date, Racine County Corporation Counsel replied on July 29 that its office now intends to provide a response no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. This replaces the earlier estimate of “within three weeks,” which would have extended beyond the August 11 sheriff’s primary.
The new date is an important change, but it does not yet confirm what records will be produced, whether production will be complete, or whether the separate UKG timekeeping audit request is included. H.O.T. Government had specifically asked for a date certain, rolling production, and confirmation that the June 8 requests were forwarded to the proper custodians. Those questions remain to be measured against what the county actually delivers by August 5.