Home Milwaukee Press Releases 2010 Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Stealing Cash During Sting Operation
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Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Stealing Cash During Sting Operation

U.S. Attorney’s Office March 26, 2010
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin (414) 297-1700

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced today that a criminal complaint had been issued charging Johnny Santiago of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with theft of government property.

According to the criminal complaint, Santiago is a Special Agent of the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and was assigned to the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The complaint alleges that on March 25, 2010, as part of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the assistance and cooperation of the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, law enforcement placed $17,740 in cash in a vacant store front that was to be searched by Santiago. According to the complaint, Santiago was seen on videotape repeatedly placing his hands in his pockets, and a total of $1,100 was missing at the conclusion of the search. According to the complaint, when FBI agents approached Santiago, he fled. He was arrested a short time later but was not in possession of the money.

According to United States Attorney James L. Santelle, “Allegations of criminal activity by those who are sworn to enforce the law are especially troubling as such activities are an affront to the public, the justice system, and the many hard-working and honest men and women who serve in law enforcement.” United States Attorney Santelle specifically commended all of the participating agencies for their cooperation and hard work on this investigation.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard K. Ruminski noted, “It is regrettable that occasionally individuals who are charged with upholding the law engage in actions that violate the public trust. This case demonstrates federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are committed to maintaining that trust and we will continue to aggressively investigate these types of violations.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Sanders. If convicted, Santiago would face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

A criminal complaint is the formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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