Man who serves on Waukesha's PFC accused of stealing scrap metal

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Waukesha city employees are accused of stealing scrap metal and pocketing close to $40,000 in cash, and one of the accused is in charge of hiring and firing law enforcement officials.

The owner of Waukesha Recycling says these individuals were "regulars," and says he was surprised to hear they are accused of stealing.

For years, Phil Rehberg saw Waukesha DPW employees bringing in city scraps.

"Everything from aluminum cans to scrap metal, even sometimes aluminum signs and stuff," Rehberg said.

In return, three DPW employees got thousands in cash.

That's why Rehberg was surprised when deputies showed up with questions.

"Normally, we see shady characters from time to time. They usually stand out.  But these guys sure seemed legit," Rehberg said.

Waukesha City Administrator Ed Henschel says the city never got the money.

"Sometimes the cash was given back to the supervisors. Sometimes part of the cash was given back to the supervisors,. Sometimes none of the cash was given back to the supervisor," Henschel said.

Just as surprising as the alleged thefts is the identity of one of the men accused.

Dan Owens is not just a DPW worker. He's also a member of Waukesha's Police and Fire Commission.

Owens has resigned from his Public Works job, and is suspended from the PFC.

"The mayor has suspended him from the Commission and I have filed charges against him asking for his permanent removal from the Police and Fire Commission," Owens said.

Charges have been referred to the District Attorney's Office -- something the city administrator hopes sends a strong message to workers.

"I've met with our Public Works Department and I made it very clear to them if this was culture in the past, it is not acceptable going forward," Henschel said.

The City Council is reviewing Owens' appointment to the PFC.

Meanwhile, Owens' attorney calls the allegations "crazy" -- saying this is an attempt to stack the PFC.