GREENFIELD, Wis. — Mayor Michael Neitzke has formally filed charges seeking to remove Police Chief Jay Johnson, escalating a dispute that began with Johnson’s placement on paid administrative leave in April 2025. The city’s Common Council unanimously authorized Neitzke on Aug. 18 to pursue the removal process. Neitzke said the charges are needed to protect Greenfield residents, the Police Department and city employees. Johnson was previously charged with misconduct in public office after allegedly using a city-owned surveillance camera at his home during divorce proceedings. Online court records show he now faces four felony counts — including misconduct in public office, two counts of computer crime involving destruction of data, and felony bail jumping — as well as a misdemeanor count of resisting or obstructing an officer. The mayor’s removal effort is separate from the criminal case. Prosecutors must prove the criminal allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, while the city’s police and fire commission will determine whether the findings from the city’s investigation justify discipline under the municipal process. Johnson’s attorney was given the statement of charges before it was filed so Johnson could consider his options. Under Wisconsin law, the charges become a public record after the chief receives notice and has five business days to review and, if he chooses, supplement his response. Johnson is entitled to due process at a police and fire commission hearing, where he can rebut the city’s findings. The commission is scheduled to review the charges Sept. 17 and will make the final decision on whether removal or other discipline is warranted. The criminal allegations remain unresolved, and a charge is not a finding of guilt.