Settlement avoids hearing for Town of Beloit officer
BELOIT TOWNSHIP — Officer Mike Bogdonas has agreed to a 38-day suspension from the Town of Beloit Police Department, according to a settlement document between Bogdonas and the town.
The Gazette on Thursday obtained a copy of the settlement through the Wisconsin Open Records Law.
A hearing had been scheduled after Bogdonas was accused of behaving in a manner unbecoming an officer, being disloyal to the police department and lying. Police Chief John Wilson on Sept. 21 signed the charges against Bogdonas.
The Town of Beloit Police and Fire Disciplinary Review Committee on Nov. 24 met briefly to take up the matter, but the two parties already had reached a settlement, said Administrator Bob Museus.
Town of Beloit Police Chief John Wilson filed the charges after a resident filed a complaint about Bogdonas' response to a July 12 incident in the town. Bogdonas' actions during the incident as well as his responses during the follow-up investigation violated the police department's code of conduct, according to the charging document.
According to the document:
-- Bogdonas told an accused batterer he would have done the same thing.
-- During the July 12 incident, Bogdonas told one of the residents involved that if Bogdonas wasn't a police officer, he probably would "go over and punch" his own stepmother in the head.
-- Bogdonas talked extensively about his personal life during the response.
-- During the incident, Bogdonas talked about internal matters at the police department. He mentioned recent disputes and investigations in the department and spoke negatively about Wilson and Town Administrator Bob Museus.
-- During the investigation into the complaint, Bogdonas lied to investigators about the incident.
related STORIES
Dec 23, 2009 at 9:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
If the investigation showed the officer lied, during any part of the investigation, he should have been fired. How can we retain police whom we know have lied? Their testimony under oath can put people in prison for many years up to life. The public must be able to trust them.
Dec 21, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
garyprimer, per 62.13(5)(c) Wis. Stats., "No hearing on such suspension shall be held unless requested by the suspended subordinate." It is likely that the settlement worked out between the parties precludes further action and the officer is not requesting a hearing.
Dec 20, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
I'm disappointed in Mr. Bogdonas' actions and I'm leary for those who reside in the Town of Beloit's jurisdiction... Certainly, Mr. Bogdona's has some poor ethics!
Dec 19, 2009 at 3:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
if i were to falsify documents i'd be fired immediately. But then again all this guy's job pertains to is upholding laws and protecting civil rights.
Dec 19, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Only a 38-day suspension for such thuggish behavior! Really, this deteriotes confidence in the police force.
Dec 19, 2009 at 1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
What's interesting to me is that under Wisconsin law, they CAN NOT suspend him without a hearing. Granted, if he agreed not to pursue his rights, then I guess they can do what they want. But the statutes very clearly state that there is no authority to suspend unless and until a hearing is held.
The most serious of these charges are allegations that he lied during the investigation. Depending on his disciplinary history, that MIGHT have been enough for a termination.
Police officers re not like other employees in Wisconsin. Police officers have a Constitutional property interest in their jobs, which cannot be infringed without due process and establishment of just cause.
Dec 19, 2009 at 11:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
Well, ....I have heard of police that have been caught driving over the legal alcohol limit even AFTER they were hired as police officers.....THAT is *FAR* worse than what was done here.
Dec 19, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
If anyone here has ever seen the creative writing that a written police report has in it, it should be no surprise that this police officer lied. I have yet to meet one that hasn't admitted it. And they ALL thought it was humorous.
Dec 19, 2009 at 9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
So the committee rubber-stamped the settlement after waiting almost two months to review the charges? It sounds like they do not take their responsibility very seriously. If charges were filed, a hearing should be inevitable.
Dec 19, 2009 at 7 a.m.
Suggest removal
Fire him! He does not belong on a policed force.
Dec 19, 2009 at 5:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Should have been given his walking paper's
Dec 18, 2009 at 6:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Fortunately, most of this is just him talking his mouth off and making himself look like an ass. The lying is more serious, though. In the end the settlement avoids having the dispute adjudicated by the Committee.
Dec 18, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Suggest removal
I'm sure that's a suspension without pay.... Otherwise it be called a vacation.....
Dec 18, 2009 at 5:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
So, is he suspended with pay?
Creep!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.