Brian Pergande, former Butler lieutenant accused of misconduct found dead in Milwaukee

BUTLER -- Brian Pergande, the former Butler Police Department lieutenant accused of misconduct was found dead in Milwaukee this weekend.

Milwaukee police say they were called out to the 5700 block of N. Lovers Lane Road around 9:00 a.m. on May 14th for a report of a sudden death.

A 39-year-old Milwaukee man, later identified as Brian Pergande, was found underneath a bridge.  Lifesaving measures were performed but Pegrande was pronounced dead at the scene.

The injuries suffered by Pergrande were consistent with a fall and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

David Wentlandt, the current chief of police in Butler, released this statement to FOX6 News:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Brian's friends and family during this difficult time.

Due to this incident occurring in the City of Milwaukee, the Village of Butler will not have any further comment at this time."


Pergande's attorney, Christopher MacGillis issued this statement:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Brian's passing. At this time, we are still in the process of obtaining information about the incident. We ask that his family be provided privacy at this time."


In 2014, Pergande was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for disorderly conduct.

He pleaded no contest to that charge after he was originally charged with felony misconduct in office.

Pergande was accused of taking inappropriate pictures of a woman he arrested. Pergande claimed the photos of an exotic dancer's chest were altered and zoomed in on after they were taken.

Pergande resigned from the Butler Police Department in July of 2014.

Pergande was one of two officers suing the Village of Butler in federal court following an investigation in 2013. That investigation revealed many of the members of the Butler Police Department had watched porn on the job, and took part in other bad behavior.

In 2013, punishments for the officers ranged from written reprimands to three-day suspensions. One officer was referred to the DA's Office for charges. The police chief resigned. The village administrator said the entire department would be re-trained.

Pergande and Officer Chad Rahn filed the suit claiming the 2013 investigation was done illegally.

The lawsuit paints both as whistleblowers -- men trying to shine a light on egregious behavior and unknowingly, that light was shined back on them.