By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
A part-time Town of Waterford police officer is in trouble with the law after allegedly getting drunk, arguing with her husband and then firing a gun into a pond outside her Town of LaGrange home March 15 – hours after attending a Friends of the NRA (National Rifle Association) banquet.
Kayla Demarasse was due in Walworth County court April 24 for what is listed online as a bail/bond hearing.
Town of Waterford Police Chief Tom Ditscheit noted that Demarasse has already done a $1,000 signature bond. Since no charges have been filed, Friday’s hearing will likely focus on whether Demarasse is following through on counseling, he said.
Demarasse is receiving outpatient counseling for alcohol use, something that the district attorney’s office will take into consideration at Friday’s hearing, Ditscheit said.
“She has an opportunity to use this counseling to make positive changes in her life,” he added.
Investigatory reports by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office were referred to Walworth County District Attorney Daniel Necci for consideration of possible charges. Necci did not reply to a request for information.
Ditscheit said his understanding is Necci does not intend to press state charges against Demarasse. Instead, she’ll likely face non-criminal ordinance violations as long as her treatment for alcohol abuse is successful.
Ditscheit said an internal investigation began when Demarasse informed Sgt. Matt Johnson of the incident. Moving forward, Ditscheit said he’ll consider what decisions are made by the Walworth district attorney’s office, the internal investigation will be completed, “and we’ll see where we go from there.” Ditscheit noted that he worked nearly 9 years in internal affairs for the Milwaukee Police Department and is in a good position to make a judgment on how to handle this particular situation.
See the April 24 edition of the Waterford Post for the full report.
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The chief seems to be trying to downplay this very serious issue. It doesn’t get much more serious than firing a gun during the heat of a domestic situation. The fact that it is a law enforcement officer makes it more egregious, yet he seems to be making excuses. Earlier in the week in the Racine Journal Times, the chief said he hasn’t begun his internal investigation yet – and his investigation would simply be to review the criminal complaint. So, which is it chief? Did you start and investigation or not? Or is it that you already know the outcome and you’ve helped cover for her and get no criminal charges for a domestic violence incident where she fired a pistol?
You dismiss these allegations without even so much as a basic investigation? Shame on you for not uncovering the truth!
Is there going to be a competent investigation here, or will this be a continuation of the Town of Waterford’s less than stellar pattern of poor performance and embarrassment?
really, She sould of made donuts first, this is a dumbass this they can waste time on !!!
Wow! How scary for those poor children, and I hope she gets the help she needs.
I’m wondering how she is getting the “kid glove” treatment! I’m certain that if I would do something like this I would be tossed in Jail and would have to go to court for crimes. Yet it appears she may be getting off without being faced with a criminal situation.
This is not a good example of what we need here in Waterford. The town has some serious leadership problems. This is yet another example of problems with town police officers who are again in trouble with the law or making fools out of themselves. This, coupled with the recent parting with their fire chief over theft allegations, leaves one to wonder what kind of oversight is going on there. There seems to be a real leadership void at both the town board level and the management level.
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
YEP!!!!
I hope she sues the chief for revealing confidential medical information. An employer should never disclose that type of information. I don’t think she is made out for policework. I hope the kids are OK and the family is Ok and aren’t too traumatized by the whole situation. Strong families stick together, and I hope they do too.
According to CCAP Kayla did not show in court, only her attorney. One can hope she was indisposed of in a treatment facility and unable to attend HER court hearing. Otherwise, this is an absolute joke.
The Town of Waterford is a disgrace. I’ll bet former supervisor Lisa Jeschke gave a big sigh of relief when she heard about this latest fiasco!!! Whew!
Unreal the village is considering having them patrol our village streets!
We all make mistakes in life, but this one certainly takes the cake. I agree with Jerry; how can he disclose her seeking treatment??? Definite HIPPA violation.
I hate to see anyone lose their job, but she earned it. Good luck Village of Waterford residents…..the town will NOT be able to adequately handle the village. You watch, they won’t be able to handle their internal issues. It won’t be long before the sheriff’s department is missed. In the end, I hope the officer gets the help she needs and can salvage her family.
Although I was not happy with my speeding tickets from the sheriff, I kind of deserved them. To the rest (and majority) of cops out there, thank you and get home safe.