You sure can tell that unemployment is up in the county..so many arm chair lawyers that need to go out and find something to do with them selves.. I wonder what really went on now that this person has been convicted by some on here..oh and just for grins.. what if he was defending him self from his wife

thanks, truestory1. and we DON'T know what goes on in someone else's home, for the most part. Trish's comments should not be taken lightly. I have NO clue how this officer behaves, but his wife does. It "takes two to tango" but it only takes one really angry person to beat the crap out of someone, too. Not saying he did, has, would have, will or anything else. I'm just saying that since we DON'T know, it seems irresponsible to assume everything was "hunky dory" when officers were called to the home.

It is quite unfortunate that this family is going through this ordeal. Those choosing sides see only the personality of this man at work. How do you know what he is like at home? I do not wish this man to loose his job, just accept that he is getting a divorce and be an adult about it.

Just because it says domestic does not mean that he hit his wife. I could simply be a very loud argument between two people. I know Mike Stalker and have worked with him on a professional level for quite sometime. he has worked very hard for this county. yes his personal life might have gotten a little out of sorts but he leaves that at the door and does everything that he can for this county. The fact that he violated the TRO by using a third party to contact her is not violent. has anyone thought that maybe since they are going through a divorce she might want to hit him where it hurts? i am not excusing anyone's behavior I am simply playing devil's advocate.

Mack10, if you have so much time to rip on people why you don’t go to the library and use dictionary or at least spell check???? By the way, where did it say he hit his wife?? By your comments you must be related to his wife???????? I’m sure you’ll say you’re not.

I have GREAT respect for Law Enforcement! I only wish that everyone had at least the amount of respect for the constitution and viewed our rights as earned privileges as I have. I am tired of people "expecting" and "demanding" that their rights be protected after they have taken away the rights and personal dignity of someone else. This is a bit off topic, but I take offense that some think I am disrespectful of LE.

Amelia0801 - Amen to that!

honestly...what do you people want? you slam cops but when something bad happens whos gonna be there to help you? They deal with scum all day long to protect you and your families and all you do is complain...wheres the respect? I also think its tastful of the gazette to print this story before he is even convicted...smear his name now...who cares if he might not be guilty.

I can imagine that is true. I didn't come from a family of L.E. either but I do know a few people in that line of work.

no worries. I am quite outspoken and offer my thoughts freely. When I'm wrong, I try to admit it, too. ;)

btw: I did not come from a family of LE. I have worked with victims of domestic violence in the past and the number of officer's wives that seek services is staggering. It's almost sickening. Not all officers are guilty. The ones who are; however, really leave a mess in their wake.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. . .

I clearly said I have no inside information about the living conditions of the family of this officer. I was giving my empathy to Trish as it appears her childhood life was that of fear and helplessness. I did not surmise that is the situation with this particular officer's family.

I blame it on the heroin problem and the GM plant closing. . . :(

Trish, I say "ditto" to what hedgehog said. I am sorry to hear of your father's actions. It sucks that we can't pick our parents, sometimes, doesn't it?!

While I know that some out there are thinking I am focussing too much on the bad apples in the LE profession, I can't help but think of the lunatic in Chicago, Drew Peterson, (who drowned his 3rd wife, his 4th is missing) and sometimes they just think they are above the laws that they are arresting others of breaking. Right now is not a good time around here. Beloit PD, Town of Beloit PD, Rock County Sheriff's Dept, Darien PD. Come on! What's really going on around here?!

ms_sassy_wi - again, not to minimize what you have gone through in the past (because that is unfortunate) it isn't fair to say that anyone in this household was living a life of fear based on what the articles mentioned. Just because of one or two situations that recently occurred, it doesn't mean that this was a household of lifelong fear and anguish? Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think one can surmise that from these two articles at this point.

hedgehog, I wondered that myself. Does the law clearly define domestic disorderly vs misdemeanor crime of violence? They are both statutes listed in the requirements, but both refer to domestic/family conduct. I concur that a conviction would preclude him from being an officer. It would be up to the County; however, to ultimately decide if they are willing to allow him to remain as an officer or release him from employment, based on the individual circumstances, should his case be dismissed. You know as well as I do that Rock County District Attorney's office dismisses cases that SHOULD go to trial, but due to "staffing and resource shortages" let MANY a guilty party walk. I don't know what to think about this particular case, but I know that Trish is not the only person dealing with the ramifications of living in a house of fear. I feel very sorry for people who live in fear everyday of their lives.

Trish - I'm sorry to hear your story, I truly am. I would like to think that your father was the exception to the rule, and that not all police officer's in this country act the way he did! It is unfortunate that there are people like that in every profession, people that give their chosen profession a black eye, a bad name. Sometimes it is hard not to be judgmental when you read articles in the paper time and time again about an officers malfeasance; breaking the law such as the off-duty officer's in Milwaukee severely beating that man, or dirty cops involved in the LAPD Rampart scandal, or the story you told about your father. Those are all extreme cases however, and should not be compared to a simple misdemeanor arrest. . . . certainly this early anyway. . .

ms_sassy_wi - The key word here is "convicted! He has not been convicted in a court of law as of yet, he is only being convicted and found guilty by people on these blogs. So until there is a conviction, it is really premature to speculate. If you notice the wording, it refers to “Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence” include all misdemeanors that involve
the use or attempted use of physical force (i.e. simple assault, assault and battery). Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see where disorderly conduct would rise to the same level.

Ms. sassy, I read your comment about SOME officers having control/power issues. I know this to be a fact. My father was an officer, even a police chief, with extreme power/control issues. My mother was terrified. There was no one that she could go to for help, it was the big boys club. Everyone knew, no one did a single thing. The things my father did to the citizens at large, women, was disgusting. He did far worse to his family. I lived the nightmare. My mother and my siblings lived the nightmare. We still do.
My father is long gone from my life, still alive as far as I know. The last I heard from him it was to bail him out of jail, that was 20 years ago. He raped a woman a couple years younger than I was at the time. And guess what, he got off. Yep.

I don't know Mr. Stalker. I don't know if he is an officer/man with control/power issues. I pray for his family that he can get whatever help he needs if indeed he is guilty of what he is charged. Mr. Stalker, if you have children, try to think of them. They will always remember and it will change who they become.

btw, hedgehog, I am not saying anything other than Wisconsin is finally acknowledging that it's not a good idea to allow someone with issues that involve domestic violence to be hired/employed as police officers. I am not giving my opinion, I'm giving you the law. again, according to employment standards on the wisconsin law enforcement network website: https://wilenet.org/html/career/wanempls... minimum requirements established by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB), which is the certifying authority in Wisconsin for law enforcement, jail and secure detention officers: (in part)

shall not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless
the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 amended the Federal Gun
Control Act, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9). Under these provisions, it is unlawful for an
individual convicted of a state or federal “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence”
to ship, transport, possess or receive firearms or ammunition. Law enforcement
officers are not exempt from this law.
A “misdemeanor crime of violence,” pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §921(33)(a), means an
offense that:
has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the
threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former
spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim
shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has
cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, parent or guardian, or by a person
similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
“Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence” include all misdemeanors that involve
the use or attempted use of physical force (i.e. simple assault, assault and battery)
if the offense is committed by one of the defined parties. This is true whether or
not the State statute or local ordinance specifically defines the offense as a
domestic violence misdemeanor.

So if you are asking if I think he should be fired, if convicted, after due process the answer is a resounding YES. Not because he is a cop, but because if convicted, he no longer qualifies as a LE Officer in Wisconsin.

hey hedgehog, I could jump to your level and comment on your ridiculous post, but I would rather take the high road, which is what I have done in virtually every aspect of my life. I have no interest in this law enforcement officer's personal life. I have an interest in personal safety, primarily of women who by nature are easy targets by men who think they somehow are more powerful or more in control because of their physical stature. I will now, pursue my many interests which do not include potatoes of the chip OR couch variety. thanks.

I'm with you Reality. . .

Hey Gazette - have we had enough yet? Maybe it's time to shut down the blog.

Mack10 - Again drawing conclusions. . .

BOBWOOD, Read the other article. he violated the protection order. not only should he be arrested, he should be fired.

TheHedgeHog: While I do find some of your comments amusing, you must be either the accused, or someone close. Your use of the first person in your 4:23 pm post was interesting. Your "inside" knowledge of his life and what is going on is also interesting. It is also interesting to note that the two stories about this situation list the accused at two different addresses. If you are the accused, it is also interesting that you would use an anonymous forum to defend yourself. Being in law enforcement, I would imagine that you would know that most, if not all, internet traffic is assigned an IP address when passed along the world wide interweb. I cannot imagine it would take too much of a genius to match an IP address with a "real-person". Be careful THH.

ms_sassy_wi - I can assure you that Mr. Stalker is a good law enforcement officer. Please don’t read into the article and start drawing conclusions to the contrary. As far as having “extreme power/control issues,” I have never witnessed Mr. Stalker exhibiting any of those types of behaviors. Have you ever been through a divorce or have you known someone that has gone through a divorce? I’m guessing that you have and that you would then know how stressful of a situation that can be. Tempers often times flare and arguments typically follow. Thank God it didn’t progress any further than that. Would you then say that the friends or family members that you have, who have gone through a bitter divorce, and have had nasty heated arguments should lose their jobs? Or are you just saying that because Mr. Stalker is a cop? My guess is you are the typical, overweight couch potato, with no job. You are bitter because you have no spouse, and you have nothing better to do than eating greasy chicken, drinking Mountain Dew and stereotyping police officers. Do us all a favor and get yourself some help. Call Jenny Craig at 1-800-597-Jenny!

Bobb1951 – Thanks so much for the psychotherapy session!

Warden19 – I’m glad to finally see someone with common sense writing a blog that hits the nail on the head!!! Hopefully if I should ever find myself in a similar situation in the future, you will be one of my jurors!

Nice – Again, using common sense, kudos to you! Also, I think you meant to say “lets burn them at the stake” not “Steak!” Although if you are cooking steaks on the grill, I’d be more than happy to stop over for dinner!
EVEBOY_E – Thank you.

Parker72 – Thanks for showing some support. It’s nice to see that not everyone is a heartless, cop hating nimrod!

Justsaynotomath – Where did you read anywhere is this article that Deputy Stalker “beat” his wife? There is a big difference between an arrest for a battery and an arrest for disorderly conduct. Maybe you should learn to absorb what you read before you are so quick to open your cake hole and render your fact less opinion. In addition, have you never had an argument with your significant other? I’m sure you have. Does that mean that you should no longer be allowed to use a spatula to flip burgers at McDonalds, I think not. . . FYI, people are arrested all of the time for “yelling.” It’s often times referred to as disorderly conduct Einstein. Wisconsin State Statute 947.01 reads: Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. It’s state law man, look it up!

Bobbing4wood – I can certainly rest comfortable tonight knowing that you have checked into Mr. Stalker’s criminal past and have found his record to be “spotless!” Thanks for all of your hard work Inspector Clouseau!

Mack10 – His name fits him? What does that mean? Are you implying that he is also a stalker? What should we take from your blog name, “Mack10?” Are you some sort of street thug, gang-banger? All I can say is you sir, are a loser! In addition, where do you get the notion that “cops get off Scott free and not have to face the quoncequences?” By the way, the proper spelling is “consequences” genius! Cops not only face the hell and anguish of a departmental investigation, they are also put through a media circus and have to deal with idiots such as you making baseless comments. When you were still working at Kandu Industries and you got in trouble for drooling in the food, did it make the Gazette? Probably not. . . You also say, “well any average Joe it would be battery, but because hes a cop its disorderly conduct.” I won’t comment on your typing errors because I’d be here all day, but I can assure you that if Deputy Stalker had in fact “beat” his wife as all of you dirt buzzards are so quick to say he did, he would have been arrested for domestic violence/battery. Sheriff Spoden will be the first to tell you that he is not going to deprive the good citizens of Rock County of any swift justice for his staff should the situation call for it. Just ask former Lieutenant Bill Harper. . .

You also make no sense hockey. Its a story because he is someone whos job it is to protect and serve, to take the bad guys off the streets not be one of the bad guys(if hes guilty). Guess Bill Clinton getting a little under the desk should have never been printed either, or Brett Favres addiction to Vicodin, etc.....

I am not a friend or relative of this officer, have never heard the name before, but I agree, this should not be in the paper as an "article". If you list some, you need to list them all.

cutebutnameless, its a story because its a COP! If you are so upset about these comments then dont read them. How stupid are you? Quit whining! This officer must be a friend or relative of yours that you come on here crying like a litte kid.

968.075(2)
(2) Circumstances requiring arrest; presumption against certain arrests.

968.075(2)(a)
(a) Notwithstanding s. 968.07 (1) and except as provided in pars. (am) and (b), a law enforcement officer shall arrest and take a person into custody if:

968.075(2)(a)1.
1. The officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is committing or has committed domestic abuse and that the person's actions constitute the commission of a crime; and

968.075(2)(a)2.
2. Any of the following apply:

968.075(2)(a)2.a.
a. The officer has a reasonable basis for believing that continued domestic abuse against the alleged victim is likely.

968.075(2)(a)2.b.
b. There is evidence of physical injury to the alleged victim.

968.075(2)(a)2.c.
c. The person is the predominant aggressor.

968.075(2)(am)
(am) Notwithstanding s. 968.07 (1), unless the person's arrest is required under s. 813.12 (7), 813.122 (10), 813.125 (6), or 813.128 (1) (b) or sub. (5) (e), if a law enforcement officer identifies the predominant aggressor, it is generally not appropriate for a law enforcement officer to arrest anyone under par. (a) other than the predominant aggressor.

968.075(2)(ar)
(ar) In order to protect victims from continuing domestic abuse, a law enforcement officer shall consider all of the following in identifying the predominant aggressor:

968.075(2)(ar)1.
1. The history of domestic abuse between the parties, if it can be reasonably ascertained by the officer, and any information provided by witnesses regarding that history.

968.075(2)(ar)2.
2. Statements made by witnesses.

968.075(2)(ar)3.
3. The relative degree of injury inflicted on the parties.

968.075(2)(ar)4.
4. The extent to which each person present appears to fear any party.

968.075(2)(ar)5.
5. Whether any party is threatening or has threatened future harm against another party or another family or household member.

968.075(2)(ar)6.
6. Whether either party acted in self-defense or in defense of any other person under the circumstances described in s. 939.48.

968.075(2)(b)
(b) If the officer's reasonable grounds for belief under par. (a) 1. are based on a report of an alleged domestic abuse incident, the officer is required to make an arrest under par. (a) only if the report is received, within 28 days after the day the incident is alleged to have occurred, by the officer or the law enforcement agency that employs the officer.

968.075(1)(a)
(a) "Domestic abuse" means any of the following engaged in by an adult person against his or her spouse or former spouse, against an adult with whom the person resides or formerly resided or against an adult with whom the person has a child in common:

968.075(1)(a)1.
1. Intentional infliction of physical pain, physical injury or illness.

968.075(1)(a)2.
2. Intentional impairment of physical condition.

968.075(1)(a)3.
3. A violation of s. 940.225 (1), (2) or (3).

968.075(1)(a)4.
4. A physical act that may cause the other person reasonably to fear imminent engagement in the conduct described under subd. 1., 2. or 3.

968.075(1)(b)
(b) "Law enforcement agency" has the meaning specified in s. 165.83 (1) (b).

968.075(1)(c)
(c) "Predominant aggressor" means the most significant, but not necessarily the first, aggressor in a domestic abuse incident.

968.075(1)(d)
(d) "Party" means a person involved in a domestic abuse incident.

I listen to the Police scanner while sitting at my desk working, & it astonishes me still when i hear police dispatched to a family "argument-not physical". I wonder sometimes if our officers are being paid as psychotherapist, family councilors, or marriage councilors. (IMO) Its just ridicules to have police officers wasting time on these calls. And since I'm talking about ridicules calls.. I have to mention one other family issue I hear way to often now a days, & think to myself.. "some parent needs parenting classes". That would be the call where, "little Johnny in elementary or Jr High school won't get up out of bed to go to school." If i were the cop going on that call... OOOoooh.. Little Johnny wouldn't be able to sit in class for a week. I'd probably lose my job & go to jail.. little Johnny has been taught at school, "he's special, & no one can lay hands on mama's special little bumkin.

Now, as for this officer, & his situation. I don't know, & we don't know yet whether it was just a argument, or if he laid hands on her. If he laid hands on her, he has no business wearing a badge & GUN. And.. If he did lay hands on her, why is he getting "paid administration leave".. Aren't unions great (NOT). But for now.. all of this is speculation.

as far as I concerned... this is complete crap! these comments need to stop!! I can't believe that the gazette is this taste-less and inconsiderate! Why is it they don't go and interview and make complete stories on EVERY SINGLE domestic that is reported. Maybe the gazette REAL SUPPORTERS if they weren't so taste-less!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lot of K-Mart cops and Dimestore lawyers in Rock County and most of you have no clue as to what your talking about.

If you call the cops for any reason in a domestic dispute, someone is getting hauled away, even for just arguing.

Your right i don't know all about domestic disorderly conduct. I do know the police do not arrest you for yelling. I'm sure they would not arrest a fellow officer with out evidence either. you failed to mention the "open line" indicated a disturbance. it seems to me he could be heard during a disturbance that involved domestic disorderly conduct and was arrested. this had to be someone he lived with and i was hoping it was his wife/girlfriend and not a child. I'm sure we will all know soon and will not have to guess but, it's one or the other either way. HE WAS ARRESTED !

Whoops looked up his full name( no results) , 2 things show up under M. stalker however.

Thank you Warden 19, I was beginning to think there was another article being discussed. No where does it even indicate that there was any physical confrontation. I am guessing a lot of yelling, which we have all done. Also, the charges have been dropped (WCCA). Good luck Mike. I am sure you will be, back to work soon. As for the "poor victim", be careful what you wish for in the future.

"not to mention he violated a restaining order. " Didnt see that or anything else listed in this state on (WCCA) website against this officer .

I just love it!!...Everday, people are arrested for Domestic Violence. People are using weapons and beating their spouses. But when it involves a officer, The paper fells the need to make sure they publish a seperate article and everybody needs to spout off how crooked all cops are because one got in trouble. Let the guy have his day in court and if he gets convicted, let him get punished.

not to mention he violated a restaining order. what is he psyco???

well any average Joe it would be battery, but because hes a cop its disorderly conduct.

Warden19- Well said! Sometimes I think people in this town get excited when the local police are in the paper. Lets burn them at the steak when something bad happens in their life but if I need them they'd better be there to protect and serve!! What a joke!

justsaynotomath- Domestic DC and Domestic Battery are two different things...don't assume he beat his wife.

I have no idea where you got the idea that all Domestic Violence incidents mean "beating your wife (husband)!" If you had ANY knowledge of the law you would realize the term "Domestic" is simply an enhancer charge that is added when ANY incident occurs between people that are currently (or formerly) living together, have kids together, or have (had) a romantic relationship. There is NO indication in this report he "beat his wife." The article specifically says he was charged with Domestic/Disorderly Conduct, not Battery! Look up your statutes.

****

It's ridiculous to see how ignorant people are on these blogs. Regardless of personal opinions, the way the law works in general society is you are INNOCENT until proven GUILTY! The majority of you would prefer to hang everyone ever charged with a crime out to dry before you even know ANY of the facts! This article doesn't provide ANY facts of the incident other than Deputy Stalker was charged with Domestic/Disorderly Conduct.

Like all segments of society there is a small element where job,family,social issues overwhelm a person and the stress is acted out. More potential harm(here) because of an officer legally carrying a firearm.Who knows who will "snap" next,and to what extent?

What do you want Opinionsforfree, "Earthquake kills thousands on Highway 26." ?
Just be patient, maybe if YOU'RE lucky, one of these days you'll read a local story about an event that terrorized or killed a lot of people, then you'll be happy. Meantime you'll just have to be satisfied with the ordinary news of a relatively peaceful part of the country.

Wow another breaking news story. Thanks KATHLEEN FOODY. Why not trying to dig a for a better story like.... The cat crossed the road and made it to the otherside.

Cant wait to see this posted Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)

I have a lot of respect for good law enforcement officers! But (you knew there was a but, right?)...BUT-there are WAY too many cops who truly have extreme power/control issues and typically the wife and families of these types are the ones who get the worst of it.

sorry dont know how to spell that word.

These Cops need to start going down when they break the law. Too many times a cop will get off scott free and not have to face the quoncequences.

can't be a cop in the state of Wisconsin with a domestic violence record. https://wilenet.org/html/career/wanempls...

His name fits him. Stalker. What a disgrace.

not anymore !

"if you you have a domestic violence charge then you should not be able to have a gun !" Its too bad that has not been written into law yet , but I will bet you can find a more than few officers that do not have spotless records .This guy is clean .No record .

if you you have a domestic violence charge then you should not be able to have a gun ! if you can't carry a gun you can't be a cop with a gun. seems pretty simple to me.

I would never advocate beating your wife or anyone else for that matter .I tried to point out even good people do things that defy logic . Im sure if I would have said he was a creep someone would beat me up for that too.

we are all human ? how does that explain beating your wife ? how can he perform his job if he can not even keep his hands to himself with his own wife ! excuses, excuses, fire him !

Law enforcement has been sworn to uphold the law , however we are all human , and things happen . Its a privilege to carry a gun and a badge .Dont forget that OFFICERS .