Sgt. Steven Dodson, a New Berlin police officer, is facing felony misconduct charges after an 11-month investigation into stolen drugs from a DEA-supplied K9 training program. The investigation began in May when substances intended for police dog training were found missing. To avoid a conflict of interest, the Waukesha Police Department led the external investigation, as mentioned by WISN.
By December, Dodson was placed on paid administrative leave following an investigation that identified him as a suspect. The inquiry revealed that he accessed the drug storage locker without permission. Additionally, notebook cards detailing expected drug weights were taken, indicating an internal breach. The narcotics, issued by the DEA in September 2022, included heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, stored in secured pelican boxes within two steel boxes, according to FOX 6 Now.
The New Berlin Police Department expressed concern over the incident, stating, "The NBPD considers honesty and integrity to be fundamental character traits of an officer." In response, immediate steps were taken to prevent a similar situation, including improved surveillance and a review of how K9 training drugs are stored, as obtained by WISN.
Dodson, a 20-year veteran of the police force, was arrested on Tuesday for driving under the influence while carrying his firearm. This led to a separate misdemeanor charge. The case, which involves allegations of narcotic theft and firearm possession while intoxicated, has been ongoing for nearly a year. A criminal complaint was filed in Waukesha County Circuit Court, and the New Berlin Police Department issued a news release detailing the charges, as reported by Journal Sentinel.
