MILWAUKEE (AP) – A judge has returned work to the sacked Milwaukee police chief just days after the board that demoted him selected a new incumbent.
Judge Christopher Foley on Friday reversed the August decision by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission to degrade Alfonso Morales, the Sentinel Journal reported. Commissioners had criticized how Morales handled multiple black-related incidents, including the arrest of Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown. They also criticized his decision to use tear gas and pepper spray against protesters who protested after George Floyd’s May 25 death in Minneapolis.
After his demotion, Morales withdrew, sued, and sought judicial review. Morales claimed $ 625,000 in damages from the city.
It is unclear what happens next. Judge Foley reversed the commission’s decision to degrade Morales to captain, but gave no further instructions, which he said he could not do.
“I recognize that from a city perspective there is a great benefit in pretrial detention with directions,” Foley wrote. “Pre-trial detention continues with the status quo at the conclusion of the Commission’s hearing with Mr Morales demoted to captain and appealing to this demotion. He avoids the potential, pointed out in the media accounts, of” two bosses ” .
“But this is a potential dilemma of the Commission’s own elaboration and completely ignores the detrimental impact of the fundamentally flawed process on Mr Morales’ interests, ”Foley added.
Morales’ lawyer, Franklyn Gimbel, told the Journal Sentinel that Morales was “delighted with his victory” and that “they would explore the execution of the judge’s ruling.”
Mayor’s spokeswoman Tom Barrett said her office was consulting with the city’s attorney.
Meanwhile, the commission continues to look for a permanent police chief after blocking two external candidates.