Koch, Manke appear in court to face charges of imprisoning, neglecting two boys

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man accused of imprisoning and neglecting two boys for years ignored our questions after his court appearance Wednesday, July 26.

Joel Manke and Katie Koch both pleaded not guilty to all the counts they face for allegedly locking the boys in their house over the course of about three years.

When we asked Manke why he didn't help the boys when he told investigators he knew the way they were living was wrong, he did not respond.

Manke appeared in person Wednesday since he's free after posting his bail. Katie Koch appeared via Zoom because she is still in custody.

Koch was on crutches Wednesday when she appeared for her preliminary hearing. But neither she nor her attorney explained why.

Koch said very little during her brief hearing, only confirming her name and answering the court commissioner's questions.

Her attorney waived her right to the preliminary hearing, then entered her plea.

Attorney Brett Copeland said, "It mirrors the criminal complaint that was previously filed. I'll waive its reading. At this time, we enter a plea of 'not guilty' on all counts."

At one point Koch briefly appeared to wipe tears from her eyes, then again as the hearing ended and she went back into custody at the jail.

Moments later in another courtroom, Joel Manke joined his attorney for his appearance.

Manke did not waive his right to a hearing, so the state had to prove a crime was committed.

The Assistant District Attorney methodically went through the criminal complaint, explaining how Koch and Manke were arrested July 13 after the 7- and 9-year-old boys escaped through a broken window and then started walking the streets naked, alerting neighbors.

An MPD detective described the hoarding situation at the home, the feces on the walls, the boarded-up bedroom window, and the door that locked them in.

Det. James Hunter also shared what Manke said in an interview before he was arrested, saying, "He said that he knew it wasn't right but he had to pick his battles with Ms. Koch."

Manke did not react throughout the hearing, nor did his parents in the gallery.

His attorney Jacob Manian told the judge, "The charges appear to mirror counts 7, 8, 9 and 10 in the criminal complaint. We waive formal reading and enter pleas of 'not guilty.'"

The only words Manke spoke were to thank the judge at the end of the hearing.

After the hearing, Manke skipped the elevator and left via the stairs to try and avoid cameras. He did not say anything as he left.

Again, both Koch and Manke pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A scheduling conference has been set for both for Aug. 10 at 8:30 a.m.