By Darryl Enriquez
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin)
Copyright 2007 Journal Sentinel Inc.
WAUKESHA, Wis. — A firefighter is under investigation on suspicion of hiring a Latin Kings gang member to kill the husband of a woman he had an affair with while she was his student at Waukesha County Technical College, city records released Thursday say.
While a criminal investigation into Charles Stelter continues, Fire Chief Allen LaConte is expected to ask the Waukesha Police and Fire Commission tonight to launch a full inquiry that could lead to the termination of Stelter, a department firefighter and paramedic.
LaConte alleges in a “statement of charges” before the commission that Stelter “engaged in serious and substantial misconduct.”
The statement says that Stelter and the woman were involved in an affair that she broke off in June. She is married to a Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer. The couple were identified as Michael and Elizabeth Newkirk.
Stelter supplied information on Michael Newkirk’s routine that could be used to kill or harm him, the statement says.
“The Fire Department believes that a firefighter trying to have a corrections officer killed would create significant problems for the Fire Department’s relationship with the Sheriff’s Department,” the statement says.
Stelter is facing accusations by LaConte of unlawful conduct that violates department rules and insubordination.
The fire chief’s accusations are based on a criminal investigation conducted by an outside agency and the Fire Department’s investigation, the statement says.
The name of the agency conducting the criminal investigation and Stelter’s employment status with the department could not be determined late Thursday. No criminal charges have been filed against Stelter, according to a state court Web site.
Commission Chairman Brian Cahill said the panel would determine in closed session whether LaConte’s accusations have enough merit to proceed to a full inquiry by the commission. The hearing begins at 6 tonight at Waukesha City Hall.
The next phase would be an evidentiary hearing in which LaConte, and possibly Stelter, would testify to commissioners about the accusations. That testimony would be open to the public.
Stelter could not be reached for comment.
Michael Newkirk said in a telephone interview that he had no comment on the details of the case. Newkirk said he and his wife are a pursuing a restraining order against Stelter.
Stelter admitted to hiring and paying $3,000 to a third party to kill or harm Michael Newkirk, the statement says.
Stelter asked a man identified as Duane Paladino to file a false police report alleging that Paladino was aware of a plot by the Latin Kings street gang to kill Michael Newkirk with the hope that an ensuing investigation would create stress on the Newkirks’ marriage, the statement says. Paladino did as he was asked.
Stelter attempted to put stress on the marriage by seeking individuals to vandalize the couple’s home, the statement says.
“Mr. Stelter provided Mr. Paladino with a map of the parking lot at the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, a detailed description of Mr. Newkirk’s car and a description of Mr. Newkirk’s usual route to work to assist Mr. Paladino in the planning of Mr. Newkirk’s murder, to vandalize his vehicle, or both,” the statement says.
As part of the department’s investigation, LaConte ordered Stelter in December to respond to questions about the incidents, the statement says. Stelter was insubordinate by refusing to answer the chief’s questions, the statement says.