Shorewood woman accused of spitting on teen; trial begins
MILWAUKEE - Attorneys plan to make opening statements Monday, April 17 in the trial of Shorewood attorney charged with spitting on a teenager during a racial justice protest in 2020.
Stephanie Rapkin, 67, is charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
The trial is the culmination of a series of events nearly three years ago that took place during a racial justice protest in Milwaukee County, following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
Police said Rapkin – who is white -- and the then-teenager – who is Black – exchanged words near Oakland and Capitol Drive in Shorewood the afternoon of June 6, 2020, as a demonstration was wrapping up. Witnesses said Rapkin parked her in car in the middle of the intersection outside a grocery store on Oakland, blocking the group.
"Ms. Rapkin goes towards them and they come towards her," said James Griffin, Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney. "Spitting in someone’s face, who tells you they're Black, and they're proud is disorderly conduct."
The video showed Rapkin ignoring people urging her to get back in her vehicle. As the crowd approached, rather than turning away, prosecutors say she spit in Eric Lucas’ face.
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Rapkin planned to take a plea last summer, but changed her mind. Despite the video, Rapkin said she did not spit on Lucas.
"What you’re going to hear is that, in this situation, Ms. Rapkin did what she did because of confusion, fear and terror," said Anthony Cotton, defense attorney. "The reason you have video is because people immediately jump to the conclusion she’s some anti-(Black lives matter) racist, anti-protest person. That's the assumption that everybody drew."
Stephanie Rapkin
Rapkin's defense attorney did not deny what Rapkin did to Lucas.
"He came over aggressively, cupped his hands and screamed something in her face," Cotton said.
Cotton said Rapkin was trying to get out of the situation – and into a nearby parking garage. She was confronted and spitting was a reaction; a matter of self-defense.
"People are allowed to use different tools at their disposal. Ms. Rapkin made that decision to use the tool that she did," Cotton said.
When opening statements were complete Monday, Lucas was the first take the stand.
"Did you ever spit on her?" Griffin asked of Lucas.
"No sir," Lucas replied.
"Kick her?" asked Griffin.
No sir," Lucas answered.
Stephanie Rapkin
A hate crime modifier on the misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge was later dismissed by a judge previously assigned to the case.
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The 14-person jury has nine women and five men. One man and one woman are Black. The trial is expected to last several days – possibly into Thursday.
Lucas is also suing Rapkin in relation to the incident. That case is on hold pending the outcome of the criminal trial.