Franklin Mayor to Address Allegations, Past Investigations at Town Hall

FRANKLIN, Wis. – (Civic Media) – Franklin Mayor John Nelson plans to address misconduct allegations stemming from his time as a lieutenant with the Waterford Police Department at a town hall meeting Wednesday evening.

The allegations, detailed in a 227-page investigative transcript, include claims of sexual harassment, falsifying time records, and conducting Franklin city business while on duty in Waterford.

Nelson, who retired from the Waterford department last fall amid the investigation, has repeatedly denied all accusations, calling them “baseless” and “an absolute hit-job character assassination attempt”.

“I have been battling this situation, which has included attacks on my commitment to law enforcement and the people of Franklin, my integrity and professionalism, for almost a year,” Nelson wrote in a Facebook post. “Some of the accusations have been mortifying and could not be further from the truth. You, the people of Franklin, are my priority, which is why I want to be an open book with you at the Town Hall and answer any questions or misunderstandings you may have heard”.

Nelson also faces scrutiny over past investigations during his tenure with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, including similar allegations of harassment and cheating on an exam, which he also denies.

While Waterford has been dealing the investigations, the Racine County Sheriffs Office has been assisting with policing in the village.

The town hall is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Franklin Public Library.