MILWAUKEE — A former Milwaukee police officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday after prosecutors charged him with attempted misconduct in public office for allegedly using department surveillance technology to track two people for personal reasons.
The Milwaukee Police Department says Josue Ayala resigned just hours before his first court appearance on Wednesday. Court records show the resignation was part of a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to be charged with a misdemeanor.
Prosecutors say Ayala used MPD's Flock license plate reader surveillance cameras to run the plates of someone he was dating and that person's ex more than 170 times over a two-month stretch last year.
Ayala's attorney, Michael Steinle, entered the plea on his behalf.
"Enter a plea of not guilty, your honor," Steinle said.
Watch: Former MPD officer resigns after being charged with misusing license plate reader tech:
The license plate reader technology connects to a nationwide database and is intended to help solve crimes. Prosecutors say Ayala used it illegally for personal reasons.
The judge ordered Ayala to have no contact with the victims.
"No contact in person, telephone, mail, third party, any social media outlets," Court Commissioner Dewey Martin said.
Watch: Milwaukee police chief defends Flock camera use:
The criminal complaint states the misdemeanor charge is a "negotiated issuance," and is a "condition of which requires Josue Ayala to resign his position as a police officer from the City of Milwaukee Police Department."
Ayala was released on a signature bond, meaning he does not have to pay bail as long as he appears at future hearings. He declined to comment when TMJ4’s Ben Jordan met him in the hallway outside the courtroom
The District Attorney's Office says Ayala was added to Milwaukee County's Brady list in December after MPD launched its internal investigation. The Brady list includes approximately 200 current and former officers who have credibility concerns due to past crimes, untruthfulness, or other integrity issues.
Defense attorneys and public defenders told TMJ4 in recent weeks that they have had concerns about Ayala testifying in criminal cases for years.
Ayala is due back in court next month.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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