Milwaukee Cop Accused In Joel Acevedo's Death Faces New Charges

MILWAUKEE, WI — A Milwaukee police officer accused in the death of 25-year-old Joel Acevedo now faces disciplinary charges, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission said Friday.

The officer, Michael Mattioli, was, charged May 13 first-degree reckless homicide in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. A preliminary hearing scheduled for July 9 had been adjourned, according to court records. If convicted, he faces up to 60 years imprisonment, according to a criminal complaint prepared by Assistant District Attorney Paul L. Tiffin.

On Friday, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission filed disciplinary charges with a referral for a trial, saying Mattioli violated Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operating Procedures as they relate to personnel investigations.

“At my direction as Executive Director, and in consultation with the Milwaukee City Attorney’s office, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC) has completed an independent, unbiased and thorough investigation regarding potential Code of Conduct violations by Police Officer Mattioli that ultimately led to the death of Mr. Joel Acevedo,” said Griselda Aldrete, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission said Friday in a statement. “These are serious charges, and a young man was tragically and violently killed. We will continue to pursue this process thoroughly and appropriately, guided as always by the principles of justice and accountability that must drive every action at the FPC.”

Charges include, potential violations of Code of Conduct as they relate to Integrity, Respect, and
Violation of MPD SOP 450.65(B)(1)-Fire and Police Commission Investigations. That charge, as listed in the Milwaukee Police Department's official catalog of standard operating procedures, refers to Fire and Police Commission investigations, and states:

"Department members will, within seven days, fully and truthfully respond to all inquiries from the executive director of the FPC, or his/her designee, who is investigating citizen complaints or citizen inquires made through the FPC."

Police were sent to a home in the 4500 block of W. Cleveland Ave. on the morning of Sunday, April 19, after a 911 call was made to report a man had attacked two people in the home, according to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Authorities said officer Robert Roach was among officers dispatched to the address. The court's probable cause finding states Roach entered the home and found Michael Mattioli straddling Acevedo, who was face-down with Mattioli's arm wrapped around his neck.

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The court filing states officers intervened and checked Acevedo's vital signs. They found he was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Roach then called for an ambulance as the officers began CPR.

Acevedo was taken to St. Luke's Hospital where he died April 25.

Mattioli later told Milwaukee County District Attorney Investigator David Dalland that Acevedohad come to his house the night prior to join him and other friends in drinking by a fire in the backyard. He woke up Sunday to Acevedo rifling through Mattioli's pockets, according to the complaint.

According to the criminal complaint, Mattioli said he confronted Acevedo, who said he was not stealing. Mattioli said Acevedo then punched his friend, identified in court documents as "CP," and fell to the ground. That's when Mattioli got on top of him and 911 was called.

Milwaukee Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Brian Peterson performed an autopsy on Acevedo and determined his cause of death was "Anoxic Encephalopathy due to Traumatic Asphyxia." He ruled the death a homicide, according to the criminal complaint.

Mattioli's attorney, Michael F. Hart, told WISN news he is not able to discuss the case but that he's certain Mattioli will be cleared of the accusations. "We are unable to discuss the circumstances surrounding the events inside Officer Mattioli's home at this time," Hart told the news outlet. "When that time comes, we are confident that it will be clear that Mr. Acevedo's death, while tragic, was not the result of any criminal actions by Officer Mattioli."