Former Milwaukee officer sentenced to probation for misusing Flock camera system
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A former Milwaukee police officer will serve probation after misusing the Flock camera system to track two people.
Josue Ayala was sentenced Wednesday to one year of probation and a $500 fine.
Ayala pleaded guilty last month to using the police technology to track the whereabouts of his former girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend.
The criminal complaint states Ayala conducted nearly 200 license plate searches.
Before handing down the sentence, Judge Kristela Cervera pointed to concerning statements from the victims and the public distrust created by the case.
Cervera read what she called a "mortifying" letter from one of Ayala's victims.
In it, the victim said she is offered escorts home from work and has asked police to regularly patrol outside her house.
"'As a result of victimization and trauma, I am more often than not in a state of hypervigilance causing paranoia and severe sleep deprivation. For that, I am currently in treatment for anxiety and PTSD,'" the judge read from the letter.
Without going into detail, Judge Cervera said the letter alleged other concerning actions by Ayala, describing him as "possessive" and "quick to anger."
"This case represents an abuse of power and a misuse of power that results
Former officer Josue Ayala
Prosecutors asked the judge to impose only a fine as the former officer's penalty.
The request was part of a negotiation that required Ayala to plead guilty to attempted misconduct in public office and resign from the Milwaukee Police Department.
"I think the name 'Ayala' is going to forever be associated with the Flock system in Milwaukee County," said Ayala's defense attorney, Michael Steinle.
His defense argued the loss of Ayala's job and public scrutiny have already served as significant consequences.
"I believe that this is just bad judgment on his behalf, letting his personal life get mixed up, if you will, with his professional life," Steinle said.
Ayala spoke to the court, telling the judge he wants to take accountability.
"I dedicated 11 years of my life to law enforcement targeting violent offenders, making a difference in the community," he said. "I don't offer that as an excuse, but just don't want that incident to reflect the person who I truly am and have been, so I just wanted to apologize for that."
Ayala did not address the victims in his statement.
Judge Cervera said the distrust caused by his actions warranted a stronger sentence than a fine, and she hopes the case deters other officers from misusing police resources.
"They are trusted, on a routine basis, with these systems, and they should not be abused," she said.
Prosecutors noted the recent felony charges filed against a Milwaukee police detective who was tasked with investigating Ayala's case also contributed to community distrust.
Detective Tehrangi Chapman was also charged with misusing the Flock system and other police resources.
