Milwaukee police detective charged in sex assault case
A Milwaukee police detective was charged this week with fourth-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct after he was accused of groping a coworker during a department-related function.
Travis Jung, 37, was arrested in January the night of the event and taken to Milwaukee County Jail. He was released on $250 bail.
Jung pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday. His next court date is June 14.
According to the criminal complaint:
Jung and other members of the Police Department were at a venue in the city's Third Ward. Three sources have told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the event was a gala to benefit the Police Department’s recreation league.
A woman said Jung was talking to a friend of hers and she joined their conversation. After her friend walked away, Jung made "inappropriate comments" to her. When she walked away, she said Jung slapped her buttocks.
Her friends wanted to confront Jung, but the woman told them she did not want to cause a scene.
The woman went to the bathroom and saw Jung's wife who appeared to be sick. She found Jung and told him his wife needed help. She said Jung responded indifferently and she walked away from him.
Later, the woman posed for a group photo at the event. Jung jumped into the frame at the last moment, stood behind her and reached under her clothing to touch her buttocks and genitals. The woman turned, saw Jung and began to cry.
The victim told investigators she recognized Jung from work but did not know him. She identified him in a photo array.
Jung, a 15-year department veteran, has been suspended with pay since then and an internal investigation is ongoing, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.
Salary records show he was paid about $125,000 in 2021.
If convicted of both misdemeanors, Jung faces a maximum possible sentence of up to one year in jail and $11,000 in fines.
Where to find help
Aurora Healing and Advocacy Services for sexual assault survivors includes a 24-hour hotline at 414-219-5555 and a confidential text line 414-219-1551.
The City of Milwaukee Health Department has resources for sexual assault survivors. We Are Here Milwaukee provides information on culturally specific organizations at weareheremke.org.
The Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour confidential hotline at 414-933-2722. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Need more help with crime and safety questions? The Milwaukee Resource Guide is here to help. Have something you want answered? Submit a question.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police detective charged in sex assault case
