Ashwaubenon officer accused of handcuffing
wife fired
ASHWAUBENON-(Wisconsin)
The village of Ashwaubenon has fired a police officer accused of
handcuffing his wife during an argument.
Thirty-five-year-old Thomas Benike is charged in Brown
County with felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The
Green Bay Press Gazette reports a decision released Monday by the village's
Police and Fire Commission said "the good of the service requires his
separation from the department."
According to the complaint, Benike accused his wife of
stealing his wallet during a dispute last October and handcuffed her for at
least 10 minutes.
Benike had been suspended but continued to draw his
$71,000 annual salary. The commission noted Benike had an
"unblemished" career.
Benike's attorney argued that when the department
previously handled an officer's misconduct, rehabilitation and discipline
besides termination was effective punishment.