James Grandberry appears before Brown County court, October 22, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Although the state Court of Appeals is considering drug suspect James Grandberry’s request to dismiss the charges against him because he waited more than 14 months to have a preliminary hearing – something that’s supposed to be done within ten days – another motion was filed in circuit court asking for his release.
Grandberry, 36, faces 14 charges, including three of manufacture or delivery of fentanyl, amphetamines and cocaine. He was arrested July 11, 2024, and charged about two weeks later. Prosecutors have said this case was the state’s first wiretap investigation for fentanyl and at least 47 people are facing charges. No trial date has been set. He returns to court April 10 for a status conference.
While he was waiting for an attorney, Grandberry’s preliminary hearing was postponed 10 times. A preliminary hearing is an early step in the criminal process, at which time prosecutors have to show there is enough evidence for the case to proceed. For those in custody — as Grandberry is, being held on a $1 million cash bond — such hearings are supposed to take place within 10 days.
Grandberry’s petition to the state Court of Appeals to review the case was accepted. He filed his brief earlier this month. The state’s reply is due Feb. 9.
A new motion was filed Monday in Brown County court, also seeking his release. However, it wasn’t filed by one of his attorneys, but by what the motion describes as “authorized advocate” Curtisha Shenise Scott Hayes. Her signature describes her as a “human rights advocate for the people.”
The motion raises many of the same issues as previously argued, including that Grandberry’s Constitutional right to representation was violated.
Because liberty is the interest at stake, immediate release is the only constitutionally sufficient remedy,” the motion states. “This motion is brought in good faith to halt an ongoing constitutional injury.
It’s unclear if the motion’s author has any legal standing in the case, or if the court will consider it. Prosecutors have not replied to it.
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