Keishon Thomas (2022)

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Overview

MPD Community Briefing with video

On February 23, 2022, Milwaukee Wisconsin Police Department officers stopped Thomas for a traffic infraction and arrested him for an outstanding warrant. Officers found various drugs in Thomas' possession.[1]

At the police station, Thomas ingested something as he was being removed from the police vehicle. Several drugs were found on Thomas during a search and Thomas admitted to using multiple drugs. Thomas was placed in a cell, where he removed more hidden drugs and ate them. Officer Donald Krueger booked Thomas into jail and stated that he would call an ambulance for Thomas, who was throwing up, dry heaving, and sweating. Krueger put Thomas in a cell and did not call for an ambulance.[1]

Officer Marco Lopez took over for Krueger, and was responsible for checking on Thomas every 15 minutes. While Lopez logged that he checked, video shows that he did not on 10 occassions.[1]

A third officer took over for Lopez, and they found Thomas in need of medical assistance. Officers and members of the fire department rendered aid. Thomas died at the jail.[1]

The incident was captured on body-worn cameras and jail surveillance cameras.

The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team opened an investigation.

Krueger was charged with felony abuse of a resident of a penal facility. Lopez was charged with felony misconduct in public office (false entry).[2] Each officer faces up to three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine.[1]

Kreuger and Lopez were suspended.[1]

In November 2022, Krueger retired and draws a department pension.[3][1]

On January 4, 2024, Krueger pleaded no contest to felony misconduct in office.[3]

Krueger was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.[4]

On May 10, 2024, Lopez pleaded guilty to a felony count of misconduct in public office and three misdemeanor counts of attempt to falsify records.[5]

Lopez was sentenced to two years probation for the misdemeanor charges. If Lopez completes the probation, the felony charge will be dismissed.[6]

Officers Involved


Public Comments

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Drew Dawson, Two Milwaukee police officers charged in connection with 2022 death of Keishon D. Thomas; family is represented by Ben Crump, Journal Sentinel, 2023-02-24
  2. ↑ Police officers charged one year after in-custody jail death, WISN, 2023-02-24
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Milwaukee police in-custody death, officer reaches plea deal, FOX 6, 2024-01-04
  4. ↑ Mariana La Roche, In-custody jail death: Officer fined $5,000, no prison time, WISN, 2024-03-11
  5. ↑ Eliot Hughes, Former Milwaukee police officer pleads guilty to falsifying records in jail inmate death case, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2024-05-11
  6. ↑ Milwaukee in-custody death; former officer pleads guilty, gets probation, FOX6, 2024-03-10

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