Milwaukee police officer charged with child abuse after suffocation, strangulation accusations

Frank Williams has been with the Milwaukee Police Department for more than 7 years

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A Wisconsin police officer was suspended after being charged with a slew of disturbing child abuse offenses, including strangulation.

Frank Williams, 30, was charged with felony child abuse, suffocation and strangulation, according to FOX 6 Milwaukee. He was arrested on Thursday morning.

The officer was recently suspended by the Milwaukee Police Department due to the accusations. He reportedly worked for the department for more than 7 years.

According to documents obtained by FOX 6, police were alerted to an injured child staying at Children's Wisconsin, a hospital in the city.

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Frank Williams mugshot

Frank Williams, 30, was reportedly charged with felony child abuse, suffocation and strangulation. (Milwaukee Police Department via FOX 6)

Speaking from the emergency room, the child said that they were "whooped" with a belt by Williams.

According to the criminal complaint, authorities observed "7 to 8 distinct brown and reddish bruises on (the child's) left thigh" during the initial interview.

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Milwaukee crime scene

Milwaukee police car at a crime scene. A Milwakee officer is accused of abusing a child. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

During a forensic interview conducted on Thursday, the child said that they were punished by Williams because they stayed awake when they were supposed to be napping.

The victim also alleged that Williams choked him with his hands, in addition to beating him with a belt. The child told investigators that the physical abuse had happened before.

Milwaukee County Courthouse

FILE - The Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

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"The Milwaukee Police Department holds all members to the highest degree of integrity and if any member violates the code of conduct, they will be held accountable," the police department said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "He is fully suspended. An internal investigation is pending."

Andrea Vacchiano is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can follow her on X at @andrea_vacch or send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authored by Andrea Vacchiano via FoxNews January 22nd 2024