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Greenfield Police Chief Charged with Felony Misconduct

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. police-chief-charged-with-felony-misconduct.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 22:18 GMT by WISN 12 NEWS
      Locales: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

GREENFIELD, WI - February 17th, 2026 - Greenfield Police Chief Thomas Motte is now confronting a significantly more serious legal battle as he's been formally charged with two felony counts of misconduct in public office and false reporting. These charges represent a major escalation from previous allegations of disorderly conduct and official misconduct, which, while dismissed, remain potentially refilable according to the District Attorney's office. The new development centers around accusations that Chief Motte actively interfered with an internal investigation involving Lt. Kurt Kuta, who was suspected of stealing funds from the police department's evidence locker.

The criminal complaint, filed last Friday, details allegations suggesting Motte didn't simply turn a blind eye to potential wrongdoing, but actively obstructed the investigation into Lt. Kuta's actions. While specifics of the alleged interference are still emerging, sources close to the investigation indicate Motte is accused of manipulating evidence, influencing witness testimonies, and providing demonstrably false statements to investigators probing the missing funds. This isn't merely a case of poor judgment, but a potential deliberate attempt to shield a subordinate from the consequences of criminal behavior, a charge that strikes at the heart of public trust in law enforcement.

The initial investigation into Lt. Kuta began in July of 2025 after an audit of the evidence locker revealed discrepancies. The amount of missing money has not been publicly disclosed, but sources suggest it was a substantial sum, raising concerns about systemic vulnerabilities within the department's handling of sensitive evidence. The investigation quickly gained momentum, leading to scrutiny of not only Lt. Kuta, but also those in positions of authority, ultimately bringing Chief Motte under the microscope.

The implications of these charges extend far beyond Chief Motte's career. A felony conviction could result in significant prison time, and even without a conviction, the mere allegations erode public confidence in the Greenfield Police Department. The department, in a released statement, attempts to reassure residents, stating they are "fully cooperating with the authorities in this matter" and reaffirming their "commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity." However, the statement rings hollow for some, given the alleged actions of its highest-ranking officer.

Legal experts suggest the "misconduct in public office" charge is particularly serious. It requires prosecutors to demonstrate that Motte abused his position of power for an unlawful purpose, potentially including personal gain or to protect another individual. The "false reporting" charge hinges on proving that Motte knowingly made false statements to investigators, intending to mislead them and obstruct the pursuit of justice. Proving intent will be crucial for the prosecution.

This case is likely to ignite a debate about police accountability and transparency. Citizen groups are already calling for an independent investigation into the Greenfield Police Department's internal procedures and oversight mechanisms. They argue that the alleged cover-up, if proven true, points to a deeper cultural problem within the department, one that requires systemic reform. Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of current policies designed to prevent and detect corruption, and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect whistleblowers like those who may have initiated the investigation into Lt. Kuta and subsequently raised concerns about Chief Motte's actions.

The situation also casts a shadow over Lt. Kurt Kuta, who remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of both investigations. His future with the department is uncertain, regardless of the outcome of the charges against Chief Motte. The investigation into the alleged theft from the evidence locker is continuing in parallel, and he could face criminal charges as well.

WISN 12 News will continue to follow this developing story, providing updates as more information becomes available, including details from upcoming court proceedings and any further revelations from the ongoing investigation. The case promises to be a complex and lengthy legal battle, with far-reaching consequences for the Greenfield community and its police department.