'You're a freakin' saint': Fan mail poured in for Judge Dorow during Waukesha parade trial

WAUKESHA — Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow earned a worldwide fan club during her weeks presiding over the recent trial of Waukesha Christmas parade attack defendant Darrell Brooks Jr.

Cards, letters, emails and even a telegram sent to the Clerk of Courts had been piling up in a separate case file until Clerk of Circuit Court Monica Paz made them available Monday in response to a public records request from the Journal Sentinel. All the correspondence went to the clerk's office, and was not sent on to the judge. New materials that continue to arrive are likewise quarantined by the clerk into the separate file, so the judge won't see them as part of the Brooks case.

The messages came from dozens of states and a few other English-speaking countries, where people were watching a CourtTV livestream of the trial.

The jury last week convicted Brooks, 40, of 76 counts, including six of first-degree intentional homicide, for crimes he committed when drove thought the parade Nov. 21 last year. His sentencing has been set for Nov. 15 and 16.

Dozens and dozens of people who watched the livestream of the 3 1/2-week trial wrote to congratulate Dorow on her patience, knowledge and demeanor while dealing with Brooks, who continually interrupted her and ignored her rulings while representing himself.

"I just want to say you're a freakin' saint," wrote Mimi, "just a lady in California," according to her letter. "I'm sending you a virtual bouquet and massage and wine."

Many other admirers sent actual flowers, Edible Arrangements, wine and gift cards for massages. Monica Paz, the Clerk of Courts, said some of the flowers were distributed to other court division offices, until she called local florists and told them to reject any more orders for the judge. Ethics rules for judges and state employees generally prohibit acceptance of most gifts.

Mara Powers, a paralegal in Washington, wrote, "Thank you for showing the world what a patient, competent and incredible judge looks like," and that she would love to clerk for Dorow if Powers lived in Wisconsin.

A defense lawyer in San Francisco, Curtis Briggs, wrote, "You are a credit to the bench and legal profession as a whole."

Dawn Phillips of Georgia called Dorow "an ABSOLUTE rock star, in my eyes," and joined some other writers in urging the judge to write a book — including a Wisconsin prisoner who said he watches every day from his cell.

"I hope you write a book on patience after this trial because I'll be the first person to buy it," Erik Herron wrote.

Other watchers called Dorow an "absolute bad-ass," who is "thoughtful and diligent every day!" and "a smart lady, very kind and classy."

Some mentioned trying to crowd-fund a vacation for Dorow and her husband after the trial.

The majority of supporters were women.

A judge in Indiana she'd had to take similar actions with pro se defendant. "I just thought you could use a quick shout out of support from a fellow sister-in-arms on the bench," wrote Kristen McVey.

Laura from Texas wrote, "As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it was incredibly inspiring to watch you work."

Several compared Dorow to Wonder Woman. Jude from Florida included pictures of the superhero with Dorow's face superimposed. "It rightfully suits you because you are a true American hero," she wrote.

Lisa from Reno, Nevada, mailed a Wonder Woman coloring book and a pack of colored pencils.

A couple viewers weren't afraid to ask non-legal questions. "Is there any way you can find out the brand of eyeglasses the judge wears?" asked Desiree in an email. "I am so in love with them."

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Danielle Joyce also inquired about the judge's glasses and her lipstick.

"She always be looking FLAWLESS," Joyce wrote.

Many of the notes had religious overtones, and said Dorow had their prayers. "The nation watches as you're called to be a pivotal agent in God's plan during this painful time," wrote Roberta Spitzack from Minnesota.

"You've earned some angel wings," wrote Karthryn from South Carolina.

A few writers expressed criticism that Dorow was too lenient with Brooks. "Male judges would have suffered a tenth of the crap you put up with," Wrote GW.

"How long is this court going to coddle this lunatic murderer?" wrote another emailer who didn't include his name.

Tom Kress suggested Dorow be replaced mid-trial. "It has become a disgraceful 3-ring circus," wrote Tom Kress.

"I can't believe what a miscarriage of justice she is displaying by assisting and helping out this defendant," wrote Peggy from Colorado. "Isn't she supposed to be neutral?"

An investigator with a California investigations firm that works with judges and lawyers, wrote to say he perceived an appearance of bias by Dorow against Brooks, in her tone and demeanor toward him compared to her interactions with prosecutors. He called that understandable.

"But here the stakes are high," wrote Joseph Soldis. "You have a duty to rise above this," and demonstrate fair and impartial conduct to everyone.

A retired Wisconsin appellate judge wrote to tell Dorow she was exactly that. Neal Nettesheim specifically lauded Dorow's sometimes exhaustive efforts to create and preserve the record of the case, as Brooks has said he will appeal.

He said her handling of the case "serves to combat those incorrect impressions held by the public" about judges.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Judge Jennifer Dorow receives gifts during Darrell Brooks parade trial