Matthew Elliott quit the sheriff’s department last month, just days after The Badger Project requested an investigation into him propositioning colleagues and sending lewd photos.

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECT

The Waushara County Sheriff’s Office promoted a deputy to K9 officer after he had been reprimanded for bad behavior, including sending and requesting lewd photos to and from colleagues and propositioning female deputies.

Matthew Elliott submitted his resignation on Sept. 16, days after The Badger Project made a formal request on Sept. 10 for records from the internal investigation into his behavior.

The records state that while on duty in 2022, Elliott used a cell phone to send photos of his genitalia to fellow deputies. Two male deputies said he also asked them each at least 10 times for genitalia photos.

In addition, investigative records state that Elliott asked another deputy for a photo that a juvenile had sent of his genitalia to another juvenile. That image was part of a criminal investigation.

And Elliott propositioned at least two female deputies, in person or via text messaging, according to the investigation.

In August 2022, the sheriff’s office concluded its investigation and informed Elliott that a previous offer to become a K9 officer and firearms instructor would be rescinded as punishment.

But in November 2024, the department gave Elliott a German Shepherd named Brutus and promoted him to K9 officer. Elliott was earning $32.27 an hour at the time of his resignation last month, Waushara County Administration said.

Despite his alleged misconduct, the sheriff’s department marked Elliott in a statewide law enforcement hiring database as “resigned in good standing,” according to the state Department of Justice.

Neither Sheriff Walter Zuehlke nor Elliott responded to messages seeking comment.

In his resignation letter, Elliott wrote that he had “developed a deep respect for the profession and for the dedicated individuals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.”

“Law enforcement is a noble calling, but it can also be demanding and unforgiving,” he continued. “Through my time in service, I’ve grown both professionally and personally, learning valuable lessons that I will carry with me.”

“At this point in my life, I feel it is time to step back and reevaluate my career path and future goals,” he concluded.

Elliott may still be working in law enforcement. He is on the roster at the Iola Police Department, although the Iola Village Clerk’s office reported that he last worked a shift there in 2023.

He is also employed by the village of Hancock as a part-time police officer, last working a shift in April, the Hancock village clerk said in an email.

The Badger Project is an independent, reader-supported news nonprofit in Wisconsin.