Ashwaubenon officer accused of handcuffing wife fired
ASHWAUBENON- The village of Ashwaubenon has fired a police officer accused of handcuffing his wife during an argument.
Thirty-five-year-old Thomas Benike is charged in Brown County with felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The Green Bay Press Gazette reports a decision released Monday by the village's Police and Fire Commission said "the good of the service requires his separation from the department."
According to the complaint, Benike accused his wife of stealing his wallet during a dispute last October and handcuffed her for at least 10 minutes.
Benike had been suspended but continued to draw his $71,000 annual salary. The commission noted Benike had an "unblemished" career.
Benike's attorney argued that when the department previously handled an officer's misconduct, rehabilitation and discipline besides termination was effective punishment.
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