Waukesha Alderman Cory Payne arrested, stalking investigation

WAUKESHA, Wis. - A Waukesha alderman was booked in the county jail for stalking after a sheriff's department investigation on Monday, Feb. 17.

What they're saying:

The sheriff's department said a former girlfriend of Ald. Cory Payne reported that he had been harassing her for weeks, knew her whereabouts and would not stop contacting her. The investigation remains ongoing.

Payne, 41, represents Waukesha's 15th District.

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Child slapped

Dig deeper:

This is not Payne's first run in with the law. In 2023, the alderman was sentenced to probation for misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct. He was accused in the case of slapping an elementary school-aged child in the leg.

Investigators said Payne was drunk. A criminal complaint said a picture of the child's leg "depicted a red hand imprint, indicating a forceful hand impact that was clearly visible and roughly the same size of an adult hand."

The judge imposed and stayed a sentence for Payne on the misdemeanor battery charge – and sentenced him to one year probation. For the disorderly conduct charge, Payne was sentenced to a second year of probation.

Reaction

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly

"I was made aware of the arrest of Alderman Cory Payne, District 15. As always, anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until the issue is fully adjudicated in Court. The alleged action is a serious crime and should be fully investigated by the appropriate authorities. I respect the judicial process and will monitor this case as it navigates through the criminal justice system."