Three City of Waukesha employees being investigated for theft could face charges as early as May, District Attorney Brad Schimel said via email.
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department has referred charges to the DA for three individuals employed by the City of Waukesha’s Public Works Department and a partial investigation is still ongoing, a spokesperson for the department said.
Schimel said that the individuals are presumed innocent at this time and it is too early to say whether he will issue charges, or what charges will be considered.
He said the alleged thefts were of an “ongoing nature” and the total amount allegedly stolen exceeds $10,000. According to Wisconsin Statutes, theft exceeding $10,000 is considered a Class H felony, carrying a maximum prison sentence of six years.
Schimel said he was not aware of any allegations of extortion or bribery in the case and the DA’s review should be completed by mid-to-late May.
Donna Whalen, director of human resources for the City of Waukesha, said that the employees are currently on suspension and when the city receives the sheriff’s investigative report, it will conduct its own internal investigation.