Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Requested For The F&PC To Initiate A Review Of The Police Leaked Sexual Assault Investigation Video To The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Public concern about a police leaked sexual assault investigation video at Monday's Community Listening Session in the Southside that was held by Milwaukee Police Chief Morales prompted Milwaukee Mayor Barrett to request for the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission to conduct a review on who leaked it.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 30, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett officially sent a letter to the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission (F&PC) requesting a review of a police leaked sexual assault investigation video to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS), which revealed the identity of a suspect and information reported by the MJS that could identify the victim. The police leaked video became a focal concern by multiple attendees that included Paul Mozina, a Community Advocate and Wisconsin State Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milw.) at Monday's Community Listening Session at the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) held by  Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. 

During the questioning session, Chief Morales was asked by Paul Mozina, a Community Advocate, what is he doing in regards of the Milwaukee Police Department leaked video? A sexual assault police investigation video was leaked in mid December to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS), where an alleged suspect was identified including vital information was reported by the MJS that would identify the sexual assault victim. Chief Morales responded to Mozina's question, "I didn't leak any video and we are looking into it and we're always looking at preventative measures when things like this happen." Morales wouldn't confirm, if an investigation has been launched within the Milwaukee Police Department to find out who leaked the video in question. Another woman at the listening session and Sen. Taylor who asked the last questions also asked Chief Morales what is he doing to find out about who leaked the video since the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Milwaukee this Summer and security should be tighten to prevent any leaks.

Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissioner Angela McKenzie was also asked the question about the leaked video, a Milwaukee resident asked, whether or not the FPC was currently conducting an investigation? McKenzie stated, "At this time there is not.  The Commission will be looking into it, and right now we're making a determination as to the body that will be doing the investigation so, that it is neutral."

Sen. Taylor also asked Chief Morales about the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) settlement agreement in the case of illegal (unconstitutional) "Stop and Frisk" by Milwaukee police who targeted Blacks and Latinos in Milwaukee, in reference to the case of Charles Collins v. City of Milwaukee (CJI report: https://bit.ly/2uL45RB) that resulted in multiple illegal on the scene cavity checks and the anticipated compliance today, Milwaukee Police Inspector Alex Ramirez responded that the MPD has at least 5 years to be in compliance with the settlement agreement. 

The City of Milwaukee Common Council agreed to settle the federal lawsuit case for $3.4M, but hasn't released monetary compensation (the money) to the victims, according to the ACLU Wisconsin.

Mayor Tom Barrett's letter to the F&PC:

I am writing to request that the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission open a formal review of recent events that are of concern to me. A video of a police interview with Mr. Kaylan Haywood, Sr., was released to a reporter during what the District Attorney's office has said is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Haywood, Sr., was interviewed at Sojourner Family Peace Center. Chairman DeVougas accompanied and participated in the interview between the Milwaukee Police Department and Mr. Haywood, Sr. 

Here are my concerns: 

First, was the video released according to department rules? If it is determined that the release of the video was not within accepted practice, who was responsible for its release, and how will they be disciplined for violating the rules? 

Second, was it appropriate to conduct the interview at Sojourner Family Peace Center? If it was not appropriate, who made the request, and who granted the request? What is the appropriate sanction for the violation of any Police Department rules?

Finally, was it appropriate for the Chairman DeVougas to be present at the interview with Mr. Kaylan Haywood, Sr.? If not, what needs to be done in this situation, and in the future, to ensure it doesn't happen again?

I hope you share my desire to have these matters resolved as quickly as possible. Thank you in advance for your prompt action and thorough review.

Update: The Milwaukee Police Department released a statement on Thursday saying that their silence when asked about, if they had launched an investigation into the leaked sexual assault investigation video doesn't mean that there wasn't an ongoing investigation. So, why did it take so long for MPD to admit an investigation had been initiated? Because there was none, according to F&PC Commissioner Angela Mckenzie.