GoFundMe Launched For Wauwatosa Police Officer Suspended From Job

WAUWATOSA, WI— The sibling of a Wauwatosa officer who was recently suspended from his job in law enforcement has launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for his brother's legal fees. As of Tuesday, the account has already raised nearly $40,000 from 591 donors in just four days.

"Although we have received ample support from the Wauwatosa Police Department, Joseph has had to overcome the dissemination of false information about his personal life, slander, and defamation from multiple sources. Joseph has been treated unfairly and unjustly by mob mentality and anti-police rhetoric," his brother, Christopher, posted on the online fundraising platform.

On July 15, the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission voted unanimously to accept administrative charges filed against Joseph Mensah by the family of Jay Anderson. According to Fox 6 Now, this measure took place one day after the Common Council voted to “transition” Mensah from employment.

Mensah shot and killed Anderson during the early morning of June 23, 2016 while responding to a suspicious vehicle in Wauwatosa’s Madison Park, police said. Mensah was ultimately cleared of criminal wrongdoing in that case. According to Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber, video had showed Anderson reaching for a gun with his right hand.

In 2015, Mensah also shot and killed Antonio Gonzalez after officers said Gonzalez confronted them with a sword. Police said he refused to drop the weapon despite orders to do so. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office ultimately ruled that shooting was also justified.

Mensah, who is involved in the killing of three people in the last five years while on duty, is now currently under investigation for the February shooting death of 17-year-old Alvin Cole. According to CBS 58, Wauwatosa police were called to Mayfair Mall after receiving a call about a disturbance in the area and a person with a weapon. Following a foot chase, police said the suspect, Cole, had a weapon and Mensah shot the teen in self-defense. However, critics of the officer aren't convinced.

"The only thing we see as citizens are teenagers running. Any teenager is going to run if ten police cars come. They’re afraid and then they shoot them in the dark and then everyone wants to say well he had a weapon. Show us the weapon. We have yet to see it. We want justice and accountability,” one Cole supporter told the the TV station.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is currently investigating this latest fatal shooting.

"The Mensah family has full confidence in the attorney paid for by the Wauwatosa Peace Officer's Association, who is currently representing Joseph during the proceedings with the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission. We are raising funds to pay for legal counsel to explore and take legal action against those that have unjustly accused him of wrongdoing, interfered with his ability to receive due process, and wrongly besmirched his character and integrity," Mensah's brother, Christopher, said.

Christopher Mensah recently increased his fundraising goal of $25,000 to $50,000—and so far there's been no shortage of supporters willing to chip in.

"The only thing for the triumph of evil is good men to do nothing" We pray for those who protect us and their families to keep them safe! Officer Joesph Mensah your one of the many who serve and protect the people, God Bless! Stay Strong!" one donor commented.

"You deserve so much better from this community. The leadership has failed. Crush them and move forward. There will be a hole left by you that will be felt. Good luck," another donor posted.

Mensah first began his law enforcement career in 2009 as a volunteer reserve police officer.

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.