Former Greenfield police chief charged with felony misconduct in office

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Greenfield police chief is now charged with felony misconduct in office. Jay Johnson is accused of installing a Greenfield police camera at his home.

In the criminal complaint, investigators say pole cameras are installed on We Energies-owned electrical poles and wired into the electric line by We Energies technicians for situations where traditional surveillance methods can’t be used.

Johnson is accused of having a pole camera installed outside his home because of alleged safety concerns he had during his divorce.

Investigators say in December of 2024, City of Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke got a call from Johnson, who said he was “in fear for his safety” during his divorce because his wife was dating a felon.

Johnson asked Neitzke to use the camera for surveillance.

Neitzke initially gave Johnson permission but then contacted the city attorney, who advised that Johnson could not install the pole camera at his home.

Neitzke believed the situation was over, but in April of 2025, was informed that Johnson installed the camera despite being told he couldn’t.

Court documents reveal Johnson had contacted a detective in the Greenfield Police Department to get the camera installed.

The detective told investigators he “felt it was a direct order.”

Johnson was placed on paid administrative leave in April and in May, the camera was removed.

Court documents claim Johnson had violated the standards of conduct for officers in the Greenfield Police Department by using “department equipment for personal gain.”

Johnson is also accused of threatening Acting Police Chief Eric Lindstrom on social media.

CBS 58 reached out to Johnson, and we were told to contact his attorney.

His attorney told us the charges were "ridiculous" and that “prior to today's charges, Jay Johnson has filed age discrimination and relation charges against the City of Greenfield in efforts to remove him.”

In a statement, Mayor Neitzke told CBS 58 although Johnson is innocent until proven guilty, “they appear to be serious charges, and we do not take them lightly.”

In April, Mayor Neitzke gave Johnson the option to retire, collect his pension, and receive a year’s worth of salary.

He would also be allowed to write his own explanation for retiring and leaving the department.

Johnson refused.

If found guilty, Johnson faces up to three years and six months in prison.