Officer in Frank Jude beating case says he lied
Jospeh Stromei, a Milwaukee police officer who was fired because of his involvement in the Frank Jude Jr. beating case, has admitted to a federal judge that he lied to investigators and during the trial.
At a hearing for Stromei’s guilty plea to a federal charge of obstruction of justice, he said he did not cooperate with investigators. He also said he lied during the Milwaukee County trial of former officers Jon Bartlett, Andrew Spengler and Daniel Masarik. Spengler and Masarik were acquited, while the jury was deadlocked on one count against Bartlett.
Stromei previously said that he did not see anyone punch Jude or threathen him with a knife. However, he confessed to the FBI about two months ago, saying he did in fact see one officer punch him and another threatening him with a knife. The plea agreement acknowledges that Stromei held down Jude during the beating.
Stromei could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His guilty plea was given in exchange for not being charged with perjury in state court. He could, however, still be charged with other crimes if the authorities find evidence to suggest that he actually beat Jude.
