Police officer in Wisconsin allegedly takes man’s money during a search, officially charged
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (WFRV) – A police officer in Wisconsin has officially been charged after he allegedly took a man’s money during a search.
The West Allis Police Department posted on its Facebook page about a recent criminal complaint filed against one of its officers. West Allis Police Officer Paul Hartmann was charged with one count of Misconduct in Public Office on March 4.
On November 3, 2023, Hartmann was reportedly involved with other West Allis police officers in responding to an incident where someone was trying to enter a vehicle in a parking lot. During this investigation, a man was arrested and Hartmann searched his vehicle.
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As the man was released from custody, he reportedly asked about an envelope containing $830 seized during the arrest. The officers who released the man were reportedly unaware of any money being seized.
Additionally, there was no money placed on property, according to authorities.
The man was later connected with Hartmann, who was the one who searched, and Hartmann told him that no money was found inside the vehicle during the search. A different police officer reported the claim of missing money to a West Allis Police supervisor.
Detectives later conducted a criminal investigation. Officials say that the investigation showed that while on the phone Hartmann denied knowledge of the money, but soon after the conversation he allegedly got the money-filled envelope from his squad car and contacted the man.
Hartmann reportedly met the man in the lobby of the West Allis Police Department and returned the money to him.
The release says that Hartmann admitted he seized the cash during the arrest and was later dishonest with the man when he brought up the missing funds. Detectives also ended up finding other items of evidence from unrelated matters in his squad car.
Two wallets that were turned over by citizens in two different locations were among the items found. Officials say that these items should have been placed in West Allis police inventory when they were recovered by Hartmann.
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Officials said the allegations against Hartmann are ‘disheartening and troubling’.
The West Allis Police Department considers honesty and integrity to be fundamental character traits of a law enforcement officer and the Department. Therefore, the allegations against Hartmann are disheartening and troubling. These allegations are not representative of the way the Department members conduct themselves daily as is evidenced by another officer bringing the matter to the attention of a supervisor and a criminal investigation being commenced. It is vital the public understands the West Allis Police Department takes allegations of this kind seriously and will hold officers accountable if they are found to have violated Department Standards or the laws of our State.
West Allis Police Department on Facebook
Court records show Hartmann has officially been charged and is due in court on March 7 at 8:30 a.m. He has been on administrative leave from the department during the investigation, according to the police department.
No additional information was provided.
