By: Associated Press//October 9, 2012//
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A prosecutor says criminal charges are being filed against four Milwaukee police officers accused of illegally strip searching suspects.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm says Officer Michael Vagnini faces 25 counts of violating the strip search law, misconduct in public office and sexual assault. Officer Jeffrey Dollhopf has been charged with two counts of violating the strip search law and two counts of misconduct. Officers Brian Kozelek and Jacob Knight each face one count of illegal strip search and one count of misconduct.
The investigation into potentially illegal searches began in March. Police Chief Edward Flynn said at the time the department was aware the searches for drugs had possibly crossed the line to sexual assault and civil rights violations. Seven people have filed notices claiming they were illegally searched.