Harassment probe examines Milwaukee city attorney's conduct

MILWAUKEE - An investigation into Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer's behavior is underway, but he says the city's anti-harassment policy doesn't apply to him. Now, city leaders are trying to change that.

City employees are subject to the policy, but politicians are not. Spencer was elected in April 2020. In September, the city's human resources department and an outside firm started looking into complaints against him.

Spencer called the allegations "unfounded" on Wednesday but admitted he may have made some inappropriate remarks.

"I think it’s imperative we have a harassment policy, and as such in light of the unfounded allegations that happened in my office, the city attorney’s office has taken upon themselves to start putting together a harassment policy," Spencer said.

"The harassment policy, as it exists, applies to all of the employees in the city attorney’s office, just not the city attorney himself, or the elected officials," said Makda Fessahaye, Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations director.

Specifically, the investigation is looking into complaints that Spencer made alleged remarks regarding women, such as calling them "dear," "sweetheart" or "sweetie." It is also investigating unwelcome physical contact, hostile work environment and COVID-19 safety issues.

An investigation summary shows it found no illegality and no employment actions taken because of gender. It also found lacking communication surrounding COVID-19 safety protocols.

"I want to make sure that that is clear, because he continues to say they are unfounded. there were multiple witnesses to the actions that were mentioned in the investigation," said Fessahaye.

"I'll be the first to admit that those statements probably are inappropriate, enough, but does it give level to sexual harassment?" Spencer said.

The investigation was brought into the open during a Common Council Finance and Personnel Committee meeting Wednesday.

"I’m the lead sponsor and I believe that action is needed, immediately," said Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa.

The committee advanced a resolution, directing the city's human resources department to prepare recommendations that include elected officials under the anti-harassment and intimidation policies.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

"We politicians are not above the law and so this proposal is a simple one," Zamarripa said.

A law firm filed notice with the committee on Tuesday that it is representing city attorneys concerned about the work environment. It comes at a time that the city attorney's office continues to see departures under Spencer's leadership, which also came up during Wednesday's meeting.

Spencer downplayed those departures, and that the pushback is because of his efforts to reform the office.