Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A police sergeant was accused Tuesday of devising a fake crime to cover up injuries another officer sustained while sledding on duty last winter.
Milwaukee Sgt. Brian Hinkle, 36, was charged with misconduct in public office. He faces up to three years and six months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 if convicted, according to a criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, Hinkle and five police officers working the late shift sledded at a cemetery while on duty early Jan. 27. Another officer was seriously injured when he crashed his sled, and several officers said they should call for help.
Those officers told investigators Hinkle came up with the idea of moving the injured officer to a school and creating a fake crime scene, according to the complaint.
In a report filed with his boss, Hinkle wrote the officer was injured while chasing a man prowling the school, according to the complaint.
Deputy District Attorney Jon Reddin said Hinkle is the first of what could be several criminal cases against officers.
Hinkle was suspended with pay from department, which is conducting an internal investigation, police spokesman Sgt. Ken Harris said.