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Milwaukee Department of Public Works staffer on leave after video of public sex surfaces

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 23:23 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Milwaukee DPW Worker Placed on Leave After Video of Public Sexual Encounter Goes Viral

A video that has circulated online showing a Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) employee engaging in a sexual act in a public restroom has prompted the city to place the worker on administrative leave and to launch an internal investigation. The incident, which was captured on the worker’s personal smartphone and posted to a private social‑media group before being shared more widely, sparked a swift response from city officials, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), and civil‑rights advocates.

What the Video Shows

According to the footage that surfaced on Thursday, the unnamed DPW employee—identified only as a “senior sanitation worker” in internal documents—was seen in a men's restroom at a municipal facility. The video, lasting roughly 25 seconds, shows the worker masturbating to a partner who appears to be a male colleague. The camera angle captures both participants in the act and a third person in the doorway. The video ends with the worker wiping his hands on a towel and exiting the restroom.

The footage was first uploaded to a private Discord server by a former coworker who claimed the clip was taken without the participant’s consent. Within hours it had been shared across multiple platforms—including Facebook, Twitter, and an anonymous video‑hosting site—drawing thousands of views and an intense wave of public backlash.

City’s Immediate Response

On Thursday evening, the Milwaukee City Manager’s Office released a statement confirming that the DPW employee had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal review. “The City takes allegations of inappropriate conduct in public spaces very seriously,” the statement read. “The employee’s actions, as captured on video, are a breach of the City’s code of conduct and the standards of public service. We are conducting a full investigation and will take appropriate disciplinary action if warranted.”

DPW officials said the employee had been working on a sanitation crew that had been assigned to the City Hall complex. “We are cooperating fully with both the Department of Public Works and the Police Department to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation,” said a DPW spokesperson. The spokesperson also noted that the city has a zero‑tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, particularly in public areas that are frequented by citizens and other employees.

Police Involvement

MPD’s Office of Community Affairs confirmed that the department had been notified of the incident early Thursday. “The MPD will work with the DPW to determine whether any criminal charges are appropriate,” said MPD Chief John G. Cramer. “While the employee has been placed on leave, the police are evaluating the potential for a misdemeanor violation under the state’s public indecency statutes.”

The department also noted that the video had not yet been verified by law enforcement. “We are reviewing the footage for authenticity and are speaking with witnesses who were present at the time of the alleged incident,” Cramer added.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The incident has raised questions about the legality of recording a private act in a public restroom, even if the footage is later taken down. Legal experts from the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee Law School have indicated that the recording itself could constitute a violation of state privacy laws if the individuals were not aware of being filmed. “Consent is a key issue here,” said Professor Linda A. Kline. “Even in a public space, filming an act of sexual nature without the person’s knowledge can be unlawful.”

The video also triggered a debate over how employers should handle sexual conduct among staff, especially when the conduct occurs in a public setting. The city’s HR department released a brief guide to employees outlining acceptable conduct and the consequences of violating policy. The guide specifically cites the state’s statutes on public indecency and emphasizes that any violation could result in disciplinary action up to termination and possible criminal prosecution.

Community Reaction

Local residents and advocacy groups responded quickly to the video. The Milwaukee Women’s Rights Coalition posted a statement calling for a “comprehensive review of the Department’s safety protocols and a clear statement of zero tolerance for any form of sexual misconduct on city property.” The group also urged city officials to provide transparency throughout the investigation.

One resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “It’s shocking to see that someone who works in public sanitation could commit such a public act. I want to see that the city holds them accountable and that this doesn’t happen again.”

What’s Next?

City officials have stated that the internal investigation will consider several factors, including the employee’s employment history, prior disciplinary actions (if any), and whether the video’s content could be considered a violation of the city’s Code of Ethics. If the investigation finds evidence of misconduct, the employee could face dismissal and potentially criminal charges for public indecency.

Meanwhile, the DPW has announced plans to review and strengthen its training programs on professional conduct, especially concerning the use of personal devices in the workplace. The department will also implement a new policy requiring all employees to immediately report any incidents of inappropriate behavior witnessed on city property.

As the investigation unfolds, the Milwaukee community will be watching closely. The case underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism in public service roles and the consequences of violating community standards—even in moments that may appear private. The city’s leadership is under pressure to demonstrate that it will uphold its ethical obligations, protect its citizens, and preserve the integrity of its public workforce.