Fire and Police Commission approve independent probe of MPD sexual assault investigation, leaked files

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An independent investigation into Milwaukee police will happen after files related to a sexual assault investigation were leaked by the department.

The Fire and Police Commission now plans to hire an outside entity that will look into MPD and any violation of department rules.

The leaked video is of an interview between Milwaukee police officers and real-estate developer Kalan Haywood, Sr. at Sojourner Family Peace Center. Police say it involved sexual assault allegations against Haywood.

FPC Chair DeVougas, who is also a private attorney, recused himself Thursday night from the commission's role in the probe.

DeVougas was with Haywood, Sr. during the police interview but said he was acting as an adviser to his client’s business and took notes.

One commissioner believed DeVougas should also step down.

DeVougas thought this was unnecessary, but on his own, did ask the city ethics board for an advisory opinion on his involvement.

After the meeting, DeVougas was asked if he thought the release of the video was tied to renewing the contract of Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. DeVougas simply said he believed there was a political angle to the leak.

“It’s just really crazy that the entire investigatory file was released. I think the journal needs to release how they got that information," DeVougas said. "And I think that MPD should be more forthright about the steps that they are taking and how they are going to repair community trust and other potential victims who might want to come forward.”

Haywood, Sr. has not been charged with any crime.