Muskego Man Found Not Guilty of Disorderly Conduct for Sidewalk Chalk Message About 'Jan. 6'

A municipal court judge ruled the city failed to prove a threat or disorderly conduct in the case.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 77-year-old Muskego man, James Brownlow, was found not guilty of disorderly conduct by a municipal court judge after he was cited for writing 'Jan 6' in sidewalk chalk outside the local post office. Brownlow had initially been charged with criminal damage to property, which was later reduced to the ordinance violation of disorderly conduct. The judge ruled that the city failed to prove a threat or 'otherwise disorderly conduct' in the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around free speech rights, particularly when it comes to political expression in public spaces. The ruling suggests the court viewed Brownlow's sidewalk chalk message as a protected form of speech, even if it was controversial or unpopular in the Muskego community.

The details

James Brownlow wrote 'Jan 6' in sidewalk chalk outside the Muskego post office, referencing the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was initially charged with criminal damage to property, which was later reduced to the ordinance violation of disorderly conduct. In court, the judge ruled that the city failed to prove Brownlow's actions constituted a threat or 'otherwise disorderly conduct', leading to the not guilty verdict.

  • On February 13, 2026, court documents were obtained by TMJ4 showing the not guilty ruling.
  • In January 2026, TMJ4 spoke with Brownlow, who said he was defending his right to free speech.

The players

James Brownlow

A 77-year-old Muskego resident who was cited for writing 'Jan 6' in sidewalk chalk outside the local post office.

Muskego Municipal Court

The court that found Brownlow not guilty of disorderly conduct, ruling the city failed to prove a threat or disorderly conduct.

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What they’re saying

“I am defending myself because my sidewalk chalk writing was free speech.”

— James Brownlow (TMJ4)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech rights and public order, as well as the challenges communities face in balancing these competing interests. The ruling suggests the court viewed Brownlow's expression as protected, even if it was controversial, underscoring the importance of upholding civil liberties in the face of potential community backlash.