Kewaskum officer arrested, inappropriate conduct with student allegations

KEWASKUM, Wis. - A Kewaskum school resource officer is facing charges after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

He was in court Monday, April 8, for a bond hearing.

Kewaskum Chief of Police Thomas Bishop said the 18-year-old student's parents went to the district, who then went to police after finding concerning information on their daughter's phone.

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Officer Steven Rosales has been placed on administrative leave. His charges include sexual misconduct by school staff and misconduct in public office.

<div>File of officer Steven Rosales</div>
File of officer Steven Rosales

"The guy I worked alongside. He’s apparently not the person I thought he was," Bishop said.

He spoke outside the courtroom, where Rosals sat moments earlier for his bond hearing.

For the last two years, the 34-year-old worked as a school resource officer. On Friday, investigators said it was a relationship at the school with the 18-year-old student that led to charges.

"We’re a small department. We know each other really well," Bishop said. "So, it’s tough."

Details have not been revealed and a criminal complaint has not yet been filed.

"It’s hard," Bishop said. "His role is to be in the school and be a trusted adult in the school, a police officer in the school, who you should turn to and trust."

The West Bend Police Department is handling the investigation.

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A man who made a promise to serve and protect is now sitting on the other side of the law.

<div>Kewaskum Chief of Police Thomas Bishop</div>
Kewaskum Chief of Police Thomas Bishop

"He’s violated that trust with our community, with our students, with our staff and with our department," Bishop said.

Rosales is being held on a $40,000 bond.