SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - A Sheboygan man is continuing to get into trouble for allegedly reaching out to people he is not allowed to because of his involvement in a blackmail case last year. Sheboygan County prosecutors charged 40 year old Bernell Kelly Monday with five felonies for bail jumping for his alleged actions over the past month.
The criminal complaint against him states a detective with the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by a man who claimed he received a call from Kelly. That man, along with his wife, were the targets of an alleged blackmail incident caused by Kelly and his wife in 2015.
The detective was told by the victims they got two calls from the Sheboygan County Detention Center on December 26. They reportedly said they heard a voice sounding like Kelly saying “I promise baby, I love you.” They add they did not engage in any type of conversation since there is a bail bond limitation of contact between them.
The detective investigated the claim with assistance from the detention center. He found that surveillance video of inmates making phone calls shows Kelly making phone calls during the times the calls were placed to the victims.
The calls reportedly did not end there. On January 11 the detective was informed again by the victims that they got three more phone calls from the detention center. They were of the same nature, with Kelly saying comments like “Hello baby, I will always love you.” Again, the victims did not engage in any conversations.
Again the detective investigated the claims, and again he found phone records and surveillance video showing Kelly making calls at the same time they were received by the victims. The detective was able to get the number blocked from use at the detention center. The next day, the detective was informed that number was attempted to be called three times.
The following day, the detective talked to Kelly about the calls. Despite being show the evidence against him, Kelly denied making the phone calls in question. He reportedly said he is on the phone frequently talking to his mother, wife, and other people.
Kelly faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the charges.
This is not the first bail jumping offense he is facing. He is charged for trying to get together with his wife last month, which is restricted due to the blackmail case.
