MCSO deputy involved in deadly crash files civil complaint against county, sheriff

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MILWAUKEE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office deputy involved in a deadly crash has filed a civil complaint against the county and the sheriff. 

The deputy has not been charged in the crash that killed a Milwaukee Public Schools lobbyist. 

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office identified Joel Streicher as the deputy involved in the crash at 10th and State on Jan. 25, that killed Caesar Stinson.

At this point, details have not been released about what led up to the crash or who may have been at fault.

According to the civil complaint, a public records request was filed to get a copy of deputy Streicher’s internal affairs history. 

In a letter to Deputy Streicher that was including in the civil complaint, a captain with the Internal Affairs Division said he received a request for Streicher's disciplinary record. 

The captain wrote, "After conducting the balancing test, which I am required by law to do, I have determined that the requested records, with the above-noted exceptions, are subject to disclosure."

The letter also stated, "Under the Public Records Law you have the right, within five business days after receipt of this notice, to contact me in writing if you intend to seek a court order restraining me from providing access to or copies of the requested records." 

A complaint filed in civil court on February 13 by the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs' Association and Streicher against the County of Milwaukee, Sheriff Earnell Lucas, and the captain of the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Internal Affairs Division, states "the disclosure of the information requested involving Streicher could result in irreparable harm to Streicher's reputation."

The civil complaint states the public's interest in non-disclosure outweighs the public's interest in inspection of the records and that "public policy mandates that Streicher's disciplinary record should not be released."

Last year, Streicher pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. 

CBS 58 reached out to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office about the civil complaint. The Deputy Corporation Counsel for Milwaukee County Office of Corporation Counsel said, "Milwaukee County cannot comment on open litigation."

CBS 58 also reached out to the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs' Association and the attorney representing both the association and Streicher, but have not heard back. 

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