WAUPACA, WI- Former Waupaca County Deputy Justin Malueg is pushing back against allegations that he committed a Brady violation, calling the claims false and politically motivated.
In a public statement released on May 28, Malueg said he was compelled to respond to recent news coverage surrounding the allegations, which center on a 2023 traffic stop he conducted while working for the county.
“I want all of you to know that these allegations have been proven to be completely false,” Malueg wrote. “Through conducting a very thorough independent investigation, I was able to obtain records that show my traffic stop was completely justified.”
According to Malueg, he performed a Department of Transportation records check on a vehicle, which revealed that the registered owner had an expired license. He also noted the vehicle had a headlight out. The driver, who was not the registered owner, was subsequently arrested for OWI.
“This is a completely legal and justified traffic stop,” Malueg stated.
He criticized Waupaca County District Attorney Kat Turner and the Sheriff’s Office administration, accusing them of conducting what he called a “sloppy, one-sided investigation.”
“They didn’t obtain all of the information,” Malueg said. “Thru open records, we obtained all of the information and that is how we determined this stop could be proven to be completely justified.”
Malueg said he and his police chief have presented the records to District Attorney Turner, who has refused to rescind the Brady notification. He claims the decision has led to the dismissal of two OWI cases, including one felony case, at Turner’s request.
Malueg also used the press release to announce his candidacy for Waupaca County Sheriff.
“I promise that I will be a Sheriff for the people in this county — not for power or politics,” he wrote. “I will always do the right thing, no matter what the circumstances… The facts will speak for themselves. Truth will always prevail!”
Turner has previously stated that her office’s Brady determination was based on an internal review and concerns over a lack of probable cause in the traffic stop. She said she stands by that determination and has alerted district attorneys in other counties where Malueg is currently employed.
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