Former Madison officer accused of sexually assaulting teen

Listen to this article

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former Madison police officer has been arrested and accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child.

The 56-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in Florida, where he has been living since 2017, according to Madison police.

The former officer has been under investigation since July, when the victim came forward and told police that, at age 15, she was enticed into a sexual relationship that began in 2009 while he was with the Madison Police Department, according to authorities.

The victim said she was assaulted for several years and on some occasions was threatened and confined with handcuffs.

“The fact that the victim came forth to us, contacted us and worked with us throughout the process shows that she still has trust in MPD and recognizes that this is an aberration, an outlier, and doesn’t represent who we are or what we are as a department, just what he did as an individual,” interim Police Chief Vic Wahl said.

In 2012, the officer was investigated for a series of allegations, including mishandling evidence, damaging property and an incident of engaging in sexual conduct while on duty, according to police. Prosecutors decided the incidents didn’t meet the burden of proof necessary for charges. The officer chose to resign rather than face termination proceedings.