Suspended without pay: Two Sheboygan PD officers accused of OWI are disciplined

SHEBOYGAN (WITI) -- Two Sheboygan police officers have received unpaid suspensions after they were arrested back in December 2013 -- accused of OWI.

On December 4th, 2013, two off-duty officers reported they were involved in an accident at the intersection of Superior Avenue and North Taylor Drive in the city of Sheboygan.

On-duty officers responded, and began an investigation of the accident.

Both off-duty officers were arrested for OWI and operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration.

Sheboygan PD initiated an internal investigation immediately.

On May 28th, both officers' civil cases were finalized in Sheboygan Municipal Court, and the internal investigation was subsequently completed.

Both officers were found to have violated department rules.

In imposing discipline, both the seriousness of the offense and the employees' work records were taken into consideration.

Ryan Walloch received a 15-day unpaid suspension, and Stephen Schnabel received a 30-day unpaid suspension.

Sheboygan PD says immediately following the incident and throughout the investigation, both officers acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, expressed remorse, and apologized for and took responsibility for their actions.

In a statement, Sheboygan PD says: "The Sheboygan Police Department has reinforced with our employees the seriousness of operating while intoxicated, the negative impact it has on our community, our role in both mitigating its impact and changing the culture around alcohol abuse, as well as the potential negative consequences internally for engaging in this behavior.

The Sheboygan Police Department understands the importance of earning and maintaining the public's trust. Actions by department members that damage this trust will not be tolerated. We are committed to building strong community relationships and demonstrating our trustworthiness on a daily basis."