Probation Agents Accused of Drug Possession

As I was surfing the ‘net reading what’s making news across Wisconsin, I happened upon this article about two probation & parole agents with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections who have been charged with possession of cocaine and obstructing an officer. Now even though both charges are misdemeanors, these are still serious charges, and it’s interesting to note that the only evidence authorities have of the alleged cocaine possession is the testimony of an offender currently in prison after his supervision was revoked. The offender made the allegations against the agents after he was taken into custody and the Department began revocation proceedings against him. Now I know I’m biased, given what I do for a living, but I think it’s really disconcerting that Madison Police detectives seem to have taken the word of a convicted felon as the Gospel truth. I think it’s also worth noting how police and the Dane County District Attorney’s office has handled the investigation:

During their police interrogation, the agents were told they could resign their jobs and the charges would go away. When they refused, the detective and Dane County Asst. DA Brian Asmus went forward in an effort to pressure the agents and their employer, the Dept. of Corrections. The employer had serious doubts about the evidence right from the beginning and left Paul and Bobbi on the job for another 22 days. They were placed onto Administrative Leave May 3, 2007.

Following a lengthy investigation, DOC cleared Paul and Bobbi of the cocaine allegations and returned them to the job on August 6, 2007. Both were reprimanded for not requesting after-the-fact fraternization waivers for having been at a gathering where the offender was present.

Now obviously I don’t know the truth, and I hope these agents really weren’t engaging in the kind of behavior they’re charged with, but I think it sets a dangerous precedent to start charging agents with crimes solely based on the testimony of offenders.

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