Marquette University Officer Charged for Allegedly Botching OWI Investigation

MILWAUKEE — A Marquette University police officer faces felony misconduct charges after prosecutors allege he attempted to sabotage an OWI investigation in 2023. Officer Isaiah Espino, 29, admitted in court to intentionally mishandling paperwork to help a driver avoid charges, according to court documents obtained by WISN 12 News.

The incident began on April 2023, when Espino responded to a crash near 15th Street and Kilbourn Avenue. He arrested the driver, a woman suspected of operating while under the influence (OWI). However, it was his actions after the arrest that drew scrutiny. During the subsequent trial, the driver’s attorney presented text messages allegedly sent by Espino, in which he admitted to trying to “botch” the paperwork to prevent charges from being filed.

One message, dated July 24, 2023, read: “This is Officer Espino from MUPD. I just have an update regarding what happened in April. I wanted to give you a heads up. I tried botching up the paperwork so nothing would come of it, well some high ranks above me forced me to fix it.” Prosecutors said the message referred to the driver’s OWI case.

Further investigation revealed that Espino had a conversation with the driver in the booking room the night of the crash. According to court documents, the woman told Espino her husband was the police chief of Marshfield and expressed concern that he would find out about the OWI. Espino allegedly omitted details from his report to help her case, telling investigators he was “hoping she wouldn’t get an OWI.”

When approached by WISN 12 News for comment, Espino declined to explain his actions. “I’m not going to make any statements,” he said. Marquette University officials also declined to comment on Espino’s employment status but confirmed he has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

A Marquette University spokesperson stated, “MUPD has high standards for its officers in accordance with Marquette University’s Catholic, Jesuit values. The behavior Officer Espino is accused of does not meet those standards.”

According to the criminal complaint, a Milwaukee city attorney informed Marquette police that they will not pursue any cases involving Espino. The extent of his involvement in other cases remains unclear.

Espino is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in February. If convicted, he could face significant penalties for misconduct in public office.