Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A Milwaukee police officer was charged Tuesday after allegedly misusing a license plate database, prompting internal review and criminal prosecution.
According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Officer Josue Ayala, 47, was charged Feb. 24 with one count of Attempted Misconduct in Public Office, a Class A misdemeanor.
The criminal complaint alleges Ayala improperly accessed the department’s Flock license plate recognition system between March 26 and May 26, 2025. Investigators said Ayala conducted 124 searches involving two individuals without a lawful investigative purpose.
Authorities allege 55 searches were conducted for one individual and 124 total searches for two license plates during that period. The complaint states no official case report or lawful justification was documented for the searches.
According to investigators, Ayala allegedly accessed the system while assigned to the City of Milwaukee Police Department and later while assigned to the District Two Police Department at 245 W. Lincoln Ave.
If convicted, Ayala faces up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said the department initiated an Internal Affairs Division investigation in December 2025 after becoming aware of the allegations. The claims were substantiated and referred for criminal review, according to the department.
Ayala remains on full suspension pending a tentative resignation agreement with the District Attorney’s Office.
The case may draw attention from residents concerned about digital surveillance tools and police oversight.
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