MONROE — The boyfriend of a missing Monticello mother of three posted bond and was released from Green County Jail Monday.
That defendant, Derek Hammer, still faces multiple felony court dates on both sides of the border. The woman, Melissa Trumpy, went missing in October 2021 and has not been found.
Last week, Hammer was returned to Green County Jail, two weeks after being released to Stephenson County Jail in Illinois, where he posted $2,500 bond on the felony charges he was hit with there. Then he again posted bond of $10,000 Monday in Green County.
Hammer’s bond status has been a source of consternation for Benny Affrunti, the father of two of Trumpy’s youngest children, whom he says have been subpoenaed to testify in the case at some point.
“This time it isn’t a drill,” said Affrunti, who adds that he and his kids are nervous about Hammer being free. “I’m just completely disgusted with law enforcement and the judicial system.”
The new Green County charges and recent arrest warrant for Hammer are related to two felony counts of bail jumping. Before the recent bond reduction, Hammer had been in Green County Jail for nearly two years, as the search for Trumpy wore on.
Rock County Judge Ashley Morse, who is now overseeing the case, lowered his bond and Hammer was released last month to Stephenson County deputies — before he again posted bond there.
Trumpy was reportedly traveling to Hammer’s house in Shannon, Ill. in 2021 when she disappeared, and he is reportedly among the last people to see her alive.
He is scheduled to appear in Stephenson County Circuit Court for a status hearing on cannabis trafficking charges at 1:30 p.m. March 15. Hammer’s next date on the Green County felonies is scheduled for April 14 before Rock County Judge Ashley Morse. He is scheduled for a jury trial for the new felonies on July 29.
In addition to the new bail jumping charge, Hammer is accused of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, possession of THC with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Trumpy also has been charged with drug crimes related to her time with Hammer in Monticello.
Hammer was convicted of numerous felonies and served jail time for those in Nevada before returning to the state line region.
Under terms of his bond, Hammer is restricted from travel North of Wis. 11 in Green County, and may only be present in Dane County to have contact with his attorney, according to court records.