Judge blasts inmate access to laptops; accused triple murderer alleged to have discussed threatening witnesses
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee County judge directed his ire at a man accused of killing three people earlier this month, as well as the sheriff's office for reportedly giving him access to a laptop or tablet.
During a bail hearing Friday, Aug. 28, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Borowski said 36-year-old Thomas Zollicoffer was found to have used a jail-issued device to discuss threatening witnesses.
Zollicoffer is accused of killing two people in an apartment near 21st and Pierce the night of Aug. 8. The victims in that shooting were identified as Zollicoffer's ex-girlfriend, Vanessa DeHerrera, and her friend, Scott Bucholz.
Zollicoffer is then alleged to have been taken to the north side by an accomplice, where he then killed another person, Shamarla Hare, at an apartment near 39th and Townsend.
Judge David Borowski
Prosecutors requested that Borowski deny Zollicoffer any future access to visitors, phone calls or electronic devices aside from communication with his lawyers.
Assistant District Attorney Emily Zimmel read some of the alleged messages Zollicoffer sent.
"As he's talking, the person he's talking to, he's telling them to go talk to the witnesses," Zimmel said before reading a couple excerpts. "'Mark my words. I'll be out even if it's for a short time. They will pay for setting everything in motion.'"
Borowski granted that request before launching into a nearly two-minute-long tirade questioning why the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is giving electronic devices to inmates.
"There is no need, constitutional or otherwise, for a defendant to have a tablet when they sit in jail," Borowski said. "And I don't care if they're charged with a burglary or an armed robbery or, for that matter, a domestic violence case. This is a triple homicide. This defendant does not need a laptop."
Zollicoffer's trial in the triple murder is set to begin on Nov. 16. Following the hearing, Zollicoffer stared down Borowski and had words for the judge, who then ordered him back to the defendant's table for a brief admonishment.
CBS 58 has reached out to the sheriff's office for details about its policies regarding inmate access to laptops or tablets. The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to questions as of late Friday.
The sheriff's office's website confirms inmates get tablets as part of a larger upgrade to its video visitation system. The website notes the tablets will also "allow access to educational materials and entertainment for occupants."
Borowski was unconvinced, claiming he was aware of a defendant in another case over which he's presiding who used the tablet to access child pornography.
"Having a laptop or an iPad is a privilege. The rest of society pays $1,000 to have a laptop," Borowski said. "We're gonna hand a defendant a laptop. For what reason?"