WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A judge has thrown out all felony charges against Marshfield Police Chief Rick Gramza.
The visiting Portage County judge handling the case says there’s not enough evidence to bring three counts of misconduct in public office with the use of excessive authority against Gramza. Leaving a misdemeanor count of 4th-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct on the docket.
Gramza will return to court on those charges on March 22nd. He has entered a not guilty plea to those counts.
Charges in the case stem from accusations brought forward by a female member of the Marshfield Police Department who says Gramza made unwanted sexual contact with her, dating back six years. Gramza has said that the contact was consensual.
The city’s employment-related charges against Gramza will also proceed next month. Those will take place over a series of eight hearings between March 10th and 25th, and will determine if the charges violate any city personnel policies.
Gramza has been on paid administrative leave from the city since last August and continues to collect salary and benefits totaling nearly $146,000.
