MILWAUKEE - His job is to serve and protect, but prosecutors say Milwaukee police officer Shawn Humitz did anything but that when he responded to a fight at the Family Worship Center at 27th and Vliet.

Humitz, 26, was charged Tuesday with two counts of battery to church members.

"We decided it was appropriate in this case to issue criminal charges," Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm insisted.

Chisholm said Humitz was out of line when he beat a church member with his police club and kicked a church elder in the groin.

"There was innocent people that was hurt. I was one. I was kicked in my private area by Milwaukee's finest," church elder Richard Eichelberger said.

It started on Dec. 10, when police officers chased a wanted man into the church during services, and the situation quickly got out of hand.

According to the district attorney, Officer Humitz came to provide back up but was soon brawling with parishioners.

Humitz had no comment in court. However, church members had plenty to say.

"This is a victory for us at this time," Pastor Willie Lewis said.

Jimmy Turnage said, "I'm just happy about the decision the District Attorney made." According to the criminal complaint, Humitz hit Turnage, kicked him and jabbed him with a nightstick.

Officer Humitz entered a not guilty plea in court. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison.

  Read the Criminal Complaint

Previous coverage:

Church Disturbance - 12/10/2006
Church Members Allege Police Abuse - 12/12/2006