Alleged Deputy Misconduct
Posted on 03/26/2025
DATE: March 26, 2025
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis
SUBECT: Alleged Deputy Misconduct
Washington County, WI - It is with profound disappointment and a deep sense of anger that I must inform the citizens of Washington County that one of our patrol deputies has been referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office after being accused of retail theft while on duty. The actions alleged are wholly unacceptable and a direct violation of the core values that this agency stands for.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, our office was notified of the accusations, and the deputy was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation and an internal inquiry. A preliminary internal review raised concerns about possible criminal intent, which led us to immediately request the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial criminal investigation.
The alleged misconduct involves repeated thefts of food items by a nearly 10-year veteran deputy while on duty at a gas station in Richfield. As public servants, we are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the communities we serve. Although the monetary loss to the business may not be significant, these alleged actions represent a profound betrayal of trust. Such alleged behavior undermines public confidence in our agency and will not be tolerated. Given the gravity of the situation, the criminal investigation needed to take priority over the internal inquiry. This was done to ensure the integrity of the process and prevent any potential impact on the criminal proceedings.
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office has forwarded the criminal investigation to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Due to a conflict of interest, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office has requested the appointment of a special prosecutor to review the criminal investigation.
With the conclusion of the criminal investigation, our office moved forward with the internal inquiry. The internal investigation substantiated that reasonable grounds exist to believe the criminal charges have merit and include numerous alleged policy violations that support disciplinary action. The administrative process mandates that employees be afforded a pre-disciplinary hearing, outlining specific obligations for employers to uphold prior to the implementation of any just cause demotion, suspension, or termination process. That pre-disciplinary hearing was held on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The Sheriff’s Office was in the process of that internal investigation that included potentially forwarding administrative disciplinary charges to the Sheriff’s Grievance Committee. Prior to the time administrative charges were brought before the Sheriff’s Grievance Committee, the deputy resigned from his position with the Sheriff’s Office.
The resignation does not impact the potential criminal proceedings.
To the citizens of Washington County, I deeply regret that this incident has occurred. When a public employee breaks trust, transparency becomes crucial to maintaining public confidence and ensuring accountability. I am fully committed to such transparency and want to provide clear communication regarding the incident and what actions are currently being taken. No additional information can be released at this time to protect the rights of the accused and the integrity of the criminal prosecution.
This office remains steadfast in our commitment to holding all officers to the highest standards of conduct.