West Allis police officer accused of taking man's money during arrest

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A West Allis Police Department officer is accused of taking property from people he arrested while on the job. 

According to West Allis police, on Nov. 3, 2023, Officer Paul Hartmann was with other officers while responding to a person reportedly trying to enter a vehicle in a parking lot. During the investigation, a man was arrested for possession of marijuana. 

Police say Hartmann conducted a search of the man's vehicle while another officer transported him back to the station to be booked and issued a citation. 

As the man was being released from custody, he reportedly asked officers if an envelope containing $830 was seized from his vehicle during his arrest. 

Police say Hartmann told the man no money was found inside his vehicle during the search. After being released, the man who was arrested called the police department to ask again about the envelope containing money. Hartmann allegedly told the man no money was found. 

An investigation was conducted and revealed, soon after the telephone conversation with Hartmann and the man who was arrested, Hartmann retrieved the envelope containing $830 from his squad car, contacted and met the man in the lobby of the police department and returned the money to him. 

Hartmann, according to police, admitted he took the cash during the arrest and subsequently was dishonest with him when he complained about the missing envelope. 

During the investigation, police searched Hartmann's squad and found other items of evidence from other, unrelated matters -- including two wallets turned in by citizens at two different locations. These items, police say, should have been place in police inventory upon their initial recovery. 

West Allis police wrote in the complaint: 

"The West Allis Police Department considers honesty and integrity to be fundamental character traits of a law enforcement officer and the Department. Therefore, the allegations against Hartmann are disheartening and troubling.

These allegations are not representative of the way the department members conduct themselves daily as is evidenced by another officer bringing the matter to the attention of a supervisor and a criminal investigation being commenced.

It is vital the public understands the West Allis Police Department takes allegations of this kind seriously and will hold officers accountable if they are found to have violated Department Standards or the laws of our state."

Hartmann has been charged with one count of misconduct in public office. 

The West Allis Police Department says, Hartmann is on Administrative leave with pay while the criminal and internal (personnel) processes proceed.