Complainant Requests Review of Investigation
Marshfield (OnFocus) – In August of 2020, a criminal complaint was filed against Bob McManus, Mayor of Marshfield. Portage County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation regarding the conduct of McManus, an elected officer, which involved an open records request.
In a local radio program on February 5, McManus stated that he had learned on December 8 that the case against him had been closed and no charges were pending.
In a December 9 email to OnFocus, Wood County DA Craig Lambert stated: “No legal action will be filed by my office. Attached is a copy of a letter I sent yesterday to counsel for Mr. McManus advising him of such.”
The letter from Lambert to McManus’s counsel stated: “This letter does not necessarily exonerate your client.” In closing, DA Lambert acknowledged that the complainant may seek enforcement through the office [of the] Wisconsin Attorney General and will be advised of such.”
Communication from the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice indicates that the DOJ has received a written request to review the incident report filed as part of the investigation by Portage County Sheriff’s Department.
During the radio interview, McManus also indicated that he would be questioning the actions of Police & Fire Commission members. McManus stated during the interview that there were two members of the commission who filed complaints against McManus.
On the February 9 Common Council agenda, McManus is presenting the following item: “request authority to authorize an investigation to be initiated by the City Attorney into the protocol and actions of members of the Fire and Police Commission from January 1, 2020 through February 5, 2021.” Action on this item is at the discretion of the Council.
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