SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Shawano County campground owner facing a variety of legal charges and the forced sale of her property made her first court appearance Thursday since posting her cash bail.
Ann Retzlaff’s current legal troubles include charges for a two-county police chase and felony bail jumping for missing court appearances.
She’s known for keeping Annie’s Campground open when COVID mandates were in effect, being ticketed for posing as a sheriff’s officer and claiming courts don’t have jurisdiction over her because she’s a “sovereign citizen.”
In court, Retzlaff said recently paying $16,900 to get out of Shawano County jail, after a three-month stay, has left her broke.
“I am officially homeless, and my business is being stolen from me,” said Retzlaff.
Without help from an attorney, Retzlaff appeared in court through Zoom from Sauk County.
“I don’t feel safe under the circumstances, returning to Shawano County, until this is resolved to include my property,” said Retzlaff.
Not related to her criminal cases, Bank First initiated civil action against Annie’s Campground in Gresham for the $1.5 million in mortgages it holds on the property.
A receiver managing the campground obtained a restraining order against Retzlaff after she posted her bond.
“I ended up having to sell my truck in order to come up with the $16,900 cash, so that is what I’d like to discuss is the bond,” said Retzlaff. “If there is any way to lower that so I have some living. I have nothing to live on right now.”
Retzlaff says despite the campground being taken from her, the value of it is preventing her from qualifying for a public defender.
“I have no access to my business accounts, none of the revenue. It’s been taken from me without due process of law,” said Retzlaff.
Shawano County District Attorney Greg Parker suggested the court could appoint Retzlaff an attorney or let her have access to the cash she just provided to get out of jail.
“I’ve seen that before, where the bond money to be used for retaining an attorney,” said Parker.
The judge agreed to consider those options.
“I know that I need help,” said Retzlaff. “I have to be able to talk with the court, and I can’t speak the same language, so I do see the benefits in having an attorney help me through this process because it’s been exceptionally frustrating, probably as much for you as me, your honor.”
Retzlaff is due back in court on Sept. 13. The judge asked her to use the next few weeks to find an attorney.
If the court ends up appointing Retzlaff an attorney, the judge says it would be at a rate of $100 an hour, which she would have to repay.
As for the campground, bids to buy it are due Aug.19.
Comments