The prosecution includes an alleged interstate kidnapping, a hidden emergency call and a disputed jailhouse statement.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A Franklin man has pleaded not guilty to three felonies accusing him of restraining a woman at gunpoint, threatening to sexually assault her and driving north before deputies freed her during an Interstate 41 traffic stop.
Angelo Liberto, 22, entered the pleas June 16 to attempted second-degree sexual assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment, according to court records cited by FOX6. Prosecutors added dangerous-weapon allegations to each count. The early proceedings have focused not only on the woman’s account and the objects seized from Liberto’s car, but also on a jail inmate’s disputed claim that Liberto talked about returning to harm her.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Torbenson raised the reported jail conversation during a June hearing. Torbenson said a cellmate told investigators that Liberto admitted conduct described in the criminal complaint and discussed “finishing” what he had started if he were released. News reports said a judge responded by increasing Liberto’s cash bond from $200,000 to $2 million. Defense attorney Chris Carson challenged the allegations against his client and stressed that an accusation does not establish guilt. Carson said Liberto “adamantly” denied wrongdoing. FOX6 later reported on June 16 that court records showed Liberto held on $200,000 cash bond. The reviewed reports do not explain whether the bond changed again, whether different cases carried separate amounts or whether one report reflected an outdated entry.
The bond dispute matters because prosecutors are portraying the allegations as a planned abduction followed by a continuing danger to the woman. The defense has not presented its full response, but Carson’s public comments indicate that Liberto contests the central account. No court has determined that the alleged jail statement is true or admissible. Prosecutors would need to establish who heard it, when it was made and whether the witness has any reason to expect favorable treatment. The defense could question the inmate’s reliability and seek records of interviews, promises or benefits connected to the account.
The criminal case began with a planned outing May 29. The woman told investigators she intended to meet Liberto at a bar after work. They had known each other since September 2025, when they met through mutual friends, and had gone on several dates. She said she had repeatedly told him she wanted only friendship and did not want a romantic relationship. The complaint says Liberto objected that she would not allow him to kiss her or hold her hand. Despite those disagreements, the two still arranged to meet on the night that led to his arrest.
When Liberto arrived, he allegedly told the woman he had a gift in his car. She saw chocolates and lotion in the rear seat, according to the complaint. She first tried to sit in front, but Liberto told her another surprise was waiting in the back. After she entered, he drove away and stopped at an unidentified location. The complaint says he told her she should have been scared and pulled out a Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver. He demanded her phone and later sought its password. The woman initially refused to surrender it unless he lowered the gun. She tried to grab the weapon, and Liberto allegedly claimed it was unloaded during the struggle.
The woman told police she briefly took control of the revolver but remained trapped because child-safety locks prevented her from opening the rear doors. Liberto allegedly produced a knife and directed her to put on handcuffs attached near the door. The complaint says she complied while he held the blade in a threatening manner. Liberto then drove onto the freeway. The woman kept telling him that he was scaring her, according to investigators. He allegedly accused her of dishonesty and of seeing other people, moving between insults and statements about how perfect he considered her.
Her phone became the route to rescue. The woman tried several times to call 911, but the device was in airplane mode. She continued working with it while restrained and eventually connected with dispatchers. She also attempted to reach her mother and a friend. Public reports do not say how much of the conversation dispatchers heard, whether she spoke openly or whether location data from the phone helped identify the car. The full emergency recording has not been released.
During the drive, Liberto allegedly said he was taking the woman to a lake house about four hours away. She asked whether he planned to rape her, and the complaint says he answered yes. He allegedly said they would remain at the property for several days and that he would use her as she had used him. When she asked what would happen later, he spoke about people killing others after committing crimes because they feared getting caught. Investigators said he then declared that they had reached “the point of no return.” The woman told detectives she feared she would not survive.
A deputy spotted the vehicle on I-41 shortly after 11 p.m., according to summaries of the complaint, and conducted a traffic stop. The woman was removed from the car, and Liberto was arrested. A deputy reported seeing a handgun, a pocketknife and handcuffs in plain sight. Other reports say a Milwaukee detective became involved about 5:30 a.m. May 30 near mile marker 75. Authorities have not publicly provided a detailed timeline reconciling the stop, the arrest, the follow-up investigation and Liberto’s reported May 31 booking.
A search of the car produced evidence that prosecutors may use to argue preparation and intent. Police reported recovering duct tape, a hacksaw, a tarp, restraints, gloves, headlamps, a shovel, a wrecking bar and a package of chain. They also listed hydrogen peroxide, an unidentified clear liquid, condoms, lubricant, medication, women’s underwear and a hogtie kit. The complaint does not state that forensic testing linked every item to an offense, and the defense may argue that some objects had innocent uses. Prosecutors are likely to rely on the collection as a whole, combined with the alleged threats and destination, rather than treating any single item as conclusive.
The case may also include evidence from events before May 29. The woman said Liberto arrived unannounced at her home at about 1 a.m. several days earlier and told her he had a surprise. She told him to leave and later texted that he had crossed her boundaries for a second time. During the alleged abduction, Liberto also admitted damaging her vehicle in the past, according to the complaint. Public reports do not say whether he had previously been questioned or charged over that damage. Any messages, repair records, surveillance video or witness accounts could be used to test those claims.
The Milwaukee County charges expose Liberto to substantial prison time if prosecutors obtain convictions. Attempted second-degree sexual assault can carry up to 20 years, kidnapping up to 40 years and false imprisonment up to six years, before considering the legal effect of weapon allegations or other sentencing rules. Maximum penalties are not predictions of a sentence, and counts can change through motions, negotiations or trial. Liberto remains presumed innocent.
FOX6 also reported that Washington County prosecutors filed a separate false-imprisonment case against Liberto. He had not appeared on that charge as of the June 16 report, and the public account did not identify the alleged victim or describe how the separate matter may relate to the Milwaukee County prosecution. Separate counties can pursue their own cases, though lawyers may ask courts to coordinate scheduling or address overlapping evidence.
Pretrial proceedings are expected to determine whether prosecutors may use the reported jailhouse statement, the woman’s communications, evidence seized from the car and any statements Liberto made to officers. The defense can file motions challenging searches, interviews or identifications. Prosecutors must also disclose records that could affect the credibility of witnesses, including the inmate whose account influenced the bond hearing.
Liberto remains charged and has denied the accusations, while the woman’s 911 call, the freeway stop and the contents of the vehicle form the core of the pending Milwaukee County case.
Author note: Last updated July 10, 2026.