MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The man charged with sexual assault inside Milwaukee's Intermodal Station appeared in court on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for a preliminary hearing that quickly was rescheduled after he had an outburst.

Cephus Johnson, 32, faces four counts of second-degree sexual assault, including one attempt for two separate attacks back in April. Johnson and attorneys involved in the case were working through a discussion on his plea when Johsnon blurted out that he disagreed with the charges with expletives.

"That's not a deal," said Johnson. "You do 30 in. I do two charges. I should have killed the [expletive]. I do what the [expletive] I want."

According to a criminal complaint, the assault at Milwaukee Intermodal Station happened on Thursday, April 9. The victim told police she was using the restroom when Johnson poked his head over the stall she was in. The victim reported Johnson climbed over the partition and assaulted her.

The complaint says two security guards heard the victim scream, came into the bathroom, and one fired a gunshot. No one was hit.

Investigators say the day before the assault at Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Johnson allegedly assaulted another victim on Wisconsin Avenue. In that incident, Johnson reportedly attempted to pull a woman's skirt down and a struggle ensued before another person approached the two and yelled at Johnson to stop.

The victim told investigators she was pushed down with enough force to injure her wrist. Court documents say the victim told officers she believed the suspect was trying to sexually assault her. She also identified Johnson in a photo lineup.

Authorities interviewed Johnson, who allegedly stated if he was released, he would kill women.

Johsnon has another hearing scheduled for Dec. 4

Security upgrades to Milwaukee Intermodal Station in response to sexual assault

Milwaukee Intermodal Station CBS 58

Following the assaults in April, Alderman Robert Bauman on the Milwaukee Common Council called on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to step in immediately and take over direct management of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station.

The station is owned by the state but operated and maintained by third-party contractors, including those providing security services.

“It has become painfully obvious that the current status quo is not working,” Alderman Robert Bauman said.

As of Nov. 11, WisDOT says not all of their concerns have been addressed, but the security upgrades made at Milwaukee Intermodal Station include:

• A new, more visible and recognizable security podium has been ordered and was installed in October 2026 to be utilized by the on-site security guards and give a more enhanced security presence within the facility.
• New cameras, monitors, and signage are in the process of being installed at the entryway and bathroom corridors to allow on-site security guards to better observe these critical areas.
• A new security supervisor has been selected and the hiring process for new security guards will place a higher emphasis on personality and training for safety in public spaces.
• On-site security guards are now wearing new uniforms to make them stand out from the general public and more recognizable as facility security.
• Two-way radios are now being utilized by the two on-site MIP security guards, the on-site Amtrak police officer, and WisDOT staff on the third floor for faster and more reliable communication.

There will be increased attention given to the upkeep of the building as a new vendor will be selected and charged with more frequent exterior trash pick-up.

“We are confident Milwaukee Intermodal Station customers, staff, and the surrounding community will notice these initial improvements which will ultimately improve safety at the facility. We are committed to continuing to work with Milwaukee Intermodal Partners to address our safety concerns and help MIS become a more welcoming and secure facility in the community,” A WisDOT spokesperson wrote to CBS 58 in an email on Wednesday.