MILWAUKEE (AP) - Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission said Friday it has started disciplinary proceedings against a Milwaukee police officer charged with reckless homicide in a fatal off-duty fight.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the disciplinary charges were announced against suspended Officer Michael Mattioli. The commission said it started the process against Mattioli, 32, after “an independent, unbiased and thorough investigation,” and said the process “could result in his termination” from the Milwaukee Police Department.
Prosecutors allege Mattioli put his friend Joel Acevedo in a chokehold during a fight after a party at Mattioli’s house in April. Acevedo, 25, lost consciousness and died about a week later.
Mayor Tom Barrett called for either Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales or the Fire and Police Commission to fire Mattioli. Morales said his hands were tied after the commission took over the internal investigation.
Mattioli, a 13-year veteran, has been on paid suspension since the incident and was charged in May with first-degree reckless homicide. He has been free on $50,000 bail.
Defense attorney Michael F. Hart has said Mattioli will argue self-defense.
Marchers in Milwaukee have called for Mattioli to be fired during a month of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the handcuffed Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes.
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