On July 31, 2025, the Monitor received a tip that two Superior police officers were under investigation, for unknown reasons. We immediately emailed Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt and Superior Mayor Jim Paine, seeking more information.
1) Can you confirm that SPD officers are being investigated?
2) Who are the officers being investigated?
3) Who is conducting the investigation?
4) Is this a criminal or a civil investigation?
5) What are the charges or accusations?
6) Was this investigation a result of the SPD internal review that the city contracted for [in May]?
7) Do you have a timeframe as to when the investigation will be complete?
Mayor Paine said that he was traveling and that he had not heard of the investigation. He suggested that the Monitor’s information was inaccurate, but said if he found out anything further, he would send a follow-up email within 24 hours.
Chief Winterscheidt’s response follows:
While I can’t provide comment on the specifics of any active investigations, I can confirm there are currently two officers under an internal investigation. The investigation is being conducted by an external group to ensure a neutral, unbiased finding of fact. I do not have a timeline for the completion of the investigation, but I anticipate it will be several months. Upon completion of the investigation, I intend to appoint a special acting chief of police because of my own conflict of interest in the matter. I will seek confirmation of this selection from the Police & Fire Commission, and this special acting chief will be tasked with reviewing the investigation and determining whether disciplinary action should be filed with the Police & Fire Commission. This process is intended to comply with the statutory requirements in WI Stat. 62.13(5), ensure due process for all involved, and maintain the integrity of the police department and the police disciplinary process.
Federal lawsuit
Chief Winterscheidt’s mention of a conflict of interest suggests that the investigation may be related to the federal lawsuit which Winterscheidt’s spouse, SPD Officer Mikayla Lerette, filed against the City of Superior and Investigator Thomas Champaigne this past spring, in March.
In the federal lawsuit, Lerette alleges that her civil rights were violated when Champaigne placed a tracking device on her squad car without a warrant and without her knowledge. She alleges a second violation on the part of the city for failing to provide a suitable place for her to express breast milk in the months which followed the birth of her child.
On July 29, 2025, Lerette added an additional claim to her Complaint, stating she was subjected to a “wide-ranging campaign of discrimination … after she took leave for pregnancy and childbirth.” Assistant Chief of Police John Kiel, Police Captain Jeffrey Harriman, and Police Lieutenant Michelle Pope are named in Lerette’s amended Complaint.
Time theft investigation
The tracking device was used by Champaigne as he investigated Lerette for possible departmental violations relating to alleged theft of work hours, of which Lerette was suspected.
Lerette claimed the investigation against her was unfounded, retaliatory, and discriminatory.
On April 15, 2025, Mayor Jim Paine reviewed the Lerette investigative file and found that the allegations against Lerette were “not sustained” by the evidence. No disciplinary action was taken against Lerette.
Outside review
On April 17, Mayor Paine told the Superior Public Safety Committee that the Superior Police Department had “urgent” issues he was unable to resolve himself, and which he feared might turn into a “crisis.” The mayor recommended hiring OIR Group to conduct an intensive internal review of the police department, at the cost of $50,000. The City Council authorized the expenditure on May 6.
The internal review of the Superior Police Department is ongoing.
