New Berlin police officer accused of misconduct, stealing DEA drugs
New Berlin officer felony misconduct charge
A New Berlin police officer is charged with misconduct in office, accused of stealing DEA drugs meant for K9 training. 45-year-old Steven Dodson faces one felony count of misconduct in office - acting in excess of authority.
NEW BERLIN, Wis. - A New Berlin police officer is charged with misconduct in office, accused of stealing DEA drugs meant for K-9 training.
45-year-old Steven Dodson faces one felony count of misconduct in office - acting in excess of authority.
Drugs discovered missing
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, back in May 2024, a New Berlin police sergeant discovered that certain drugs that were issued to the department by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were missing. The purpose of these drugs was for K-9 training. The sergeant brought the drugs to a training session in Fond du Lac, only to discover the drugs missing.
Steven Dodson
The drugs were stored in pelican boxes within two steel boxes. The complaint goes on to say that the DEA issued the drugs to the department in September 2022, and they were last used for training in November 2023.
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The drugs that were reported missing are as follows:
- 28 grams of black tar heroin
- 28 grams of cocaine base
- 28 grams of cocaine HCI
- 28 grams of heroin HCI
- 14.2 grams of methamphetamine (2 of 4 bags)
In addition to the missing drugs, the included note cards that documented the weights of each drug were also missing.
Officers believed the theft happened between Nov 28, 2023 and May 7, 2024.
Drug access and video surveillance
The backstory:
The complaint goes on to say that, when not in use, the drugs are stored in pass-through locker #2 at the New Berlin Police Department, accessible with a key through the keyed locker in the evidence packaging room in the basement, or are accessible through the secure property room. The Waukesha Police Department was assigned to investigate the theft.
A full search of the building was conducted, along with a full audit. No drugs were found, and it was determined that the DEA drugs were the only ones missing.
Investigators looked at video surveillance from the interior property room camera, and identified 12 instances of unauthorized access to the locker between Nov. 2023 and April 2024 by the defendant, Steven Dodson.
Based upon the video, key car access, and time card resources, investigators concluded that the only person present during the unauthorized entries into the locker was Steven Dodson.
The complaint also notes that Dodson did not have consent to access the locker and what was in it, and, based on his job duties and responsibilities, he did not have the need to access it.
Steven Dodson
Previous incident with Steven Dodson
The backstory:
The complaint also says that during the Waukesha Police Department's investigation, it became aware of an earlier incident involving Mukwonago police back on Aug 21, 2023. On that date, a Mukwonago officer responded to a report of an unresponsive male in a vehicle. The male, later identified as Dodson, was slumped forward in the driver's seat against the seat belt, and had abnormal breathing. The officer gave him Narcan. Rescue personnel later arrived and gave him oxygen, and he woke up.
Dodson said he did not know why he was on the ground and why everyone was standing around him. He did not know the day or time either. He was taken to the hospital and urine screening tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl.
Interview with Dodson
What they're saying:
The complaint goes on to say that investigators interviewed Dodson and asked if his fingerprints or DNA would be on the steel boxes or pelican boxes stored inside them, and he said no. When asked about the incident in Mukwonago, Dodson became defensive and said he was prescribed Vicodin for a herniated disk and restless legs.
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The complaint says Dodson admitted to taking Vicodin and gabapentin, which enhances the effects of Vicodin. He said that mixing the two caused the incident, along with taking more Vicodin than prescribed. Dodson said he built up a tolerance to Vicodin, but never told his doctor.
Investigators reviewed Dodson's medical records from the incident. They noted that Dodson would never explain how he got more medication when he ran out, and also noted that he had back pain that was difficult to manage. He said he used extra hydrocodone and an unknown pill to help relieve the pain. During this time, Dodson said the pill could have been "oxycodone or something" but the urine screening showed no oxycodone.
The complaint specifically notes that the first unauthorized entry to the locker was on Dec 5, 2023, just three days after Dodson's prescription for gabapentin would have run out.
April 1, 2025 incident
What we know:
On April 1st, 2025, West Allis police say Dodson hit a traffic pole at 70th and Greenfield.
Police say he was twice the legal limit for driving.
Dodson’s loaded 40-caliber personally-owned handgun was in the truck.
He was also issued three citations – including OWI - and charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Response from B’Ivory LaMarr
What they're saying:
"I first came into contact with Officer Dodson through injuries my client suffered through a motor vehicle accident," said attorney B’Ivory LaMarr, who investigated Dodson in 2023, and found he was involved in three other accidents in a two-year period.
"To have these types of allegations presented are very disturbing," he added.
New Berlin PD response
What they're saying:
The New Berlin Police Department said: "Dodson has been on paid administrative leave since December 17, 2024. He is still on paid leave as of this moment."
The department also released the following statement:
"The NBPD is saddened by these events. It is vital the public understands the NBPD takes allegations of this kind seriously and will hold officers accountable if they are found to have violated Department Rules or state law. We also respect that Sgt. Dodson is allowed due process both as a criminal defendant and as an employee of the City of New Berlin. We request that the public respects his rights and has patience while the process plays out.
"We recognize the disappointment this case may cause our officers and community members. Let us be unequivocal – this is not who we are. The officers of the NBPD remain dedicated to serving this community with honor and professionalism, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that trust is restored and maintained."
Court proceedings
What's next:
Steven Dodson had his initial appearance in court on Wednesday, April 2, where his cash bond was set at $1,500.
He posted bond and is out of jail.
He is due back in court on April 28 for a preliminary hearing.
The Source: The Waukesha County District Attorney's Office provided FOX6 with the criminal complaint. Court information is publicly available on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website. The New Berlin Police Department also sent FOX6 a statement in response to the allegations.