West Allis police officer charged with misconduct sentenced to probation

Updated: 3:49 p.m. on March 8, 2024

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- West Allis police say Hartmann resigned from his position with the department on Friday.

Posted: 4:30 p.m. on March 7, 2024

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A West Allis police officer charged after taking money from a man he arrested was sentenced Thursday, March 7. 

Court records show Paul Hartmann pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in office and was sentenced to a year in prison followed by one year of extended supervision. The court then stayed the sentence and placed Hartmann on probation for 18 months. 

West Allis police say Hartmann took $830 in an envelope from a man's vehicle while searching it and when questioned, lied about keeping it. He later contacted the man and returned the money to him, admitting that he took the cash during the arrest and was dishonest about it. 

During an investigation, police searched Hartmann's squad and found other items of evidence from other, unrelated matters, including two wallets turned in by citizens at two different locations. Police say these items should have been placed in police inventory upon their initial recovery. 

Hartmann has worked for the West Allis Police Department (WAPD) for 17 years. 

He was placed on paid administrative leave after initially being charged. 

When asked about Hartmann's employment status Thursday, WAPD said, "The WAPD continues to be disappointed with Hartmann's actions."

They say he has not resigned, and they are working with the West Allis city attorney's office on a proper termination process.