Lara Sutherlin

The State of Wisconsin Claims Board met to consider several claims without hearings. The Board decided to issue a separate decision for the innocent convict compensation claim submitted by Marwan Mahajni. For the claim by John Heim regarding a poison control hotline charge for his guide dog at a DNR property, the Board concluded the claim of $95.00 should be paid from the Department of Natural Resources appropriation. The claim by Fredrick Morris for damaged books at Green Bay Correctional Institution was denied due to insufficient showing of causal negligence and failure to exhaust administrative remedies. Aaron Nelson's claim for lost property after being placed in Temporary Lock Up was also denied due to insufficient evidence of negligence. Jeff Poff's claim for reimbursement of attorney fees for two missed scheduled phone calls was denied, as the Board found he was not actually charged by his attorney for those specific missed calls. The Board concluded the claim by Ryan Davis for lost headphones should be paid in the amount of $13.39, based on equitable principles, representing the purchase price plus tax, minus the shipping fee and the amount already reimbursed.

The meeting agenda included a discussion with legal counsel regarding 2025 Assembly Bill 583 and 2025 Senate Bill 577, both related to wrongful imprisonment claims. The agenda also specified consideration and potential motions to enter a closed session to discuss and take possible action on several claims without public hearing, including claims filed by Marwan Mahajni, John Heim, Fredrick Morris, Aaron Nelson, Jeff Poff, and Ryan Davis, involving various state agencies and specific monetary amounts.

The Wisconsin Claims Board reviewed the claim of Robert Bintz, who sought Innocent Convict Compensation related to his 2000 conviction of first-degree murder. Bintz, who spent approximately 24 years in prison, maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. The board's discussion included a review of DNA evidence, fingerprint analysis, and the potential involvement of a third party, William Hendricks, in the crime. The board considered post-conviction DNA testing results, follow-up investigations, and stipulations related to vacating Bintz's conviction.

The State of Wisconsin Claims Board convened to address several claims. The board deferred its decision on David Bintz' innocent convict compensation claim to gather additional information. A separate decision will be issued regarding Robert Bintz' claim for innocent convict compensation. The board addressed the claim of Integrity Grading and Excavating, Inc., which sought compensation for expenses incurred beyond the contract amount for a project involving the reconstruction of University Avenue in Madison. WisDOT recommended denial of the claim, except for a concession of $3,060.00 in additional maintenance costs. The Board denied payment of Integrity Grading and Excavating, Inc. claim.

The State of Wisconsin Claims Board convened to address various claims, including one from Lucas Litzau seeking compensation for lost wages due to alleged errors by the Department of Corrections (DOC), which the board partially approved. Other claims discussed and ultimately denied encompassed property loss or damage, reimbursement of restitution funds, and additional costs incurred on a construction project due to bid document interpretation.