Police officers arrested for beating choking 7-year-old girl. Court docs

 A 30-year-old police officer from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), Frank Williams, is now facing serious charges of felony physical abuse of a child and felony strangulation and suffocation.

The allegations stem from an incident where Williams allegedly beat and choked a 7-year-old girl, identified as a relative, as revealed by court documents and local media reports as reported by Newsweek on January 20, 2024.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that on January 17, MPD Sergeant Zachery Thoms responded to a report of child abuse at the emergency room of Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee. 

Thoms observed seven or eight bruises on the girl's thigh and a bruise on her arm. During an interview, the child recounted that Williams had used a thick belt to discipline her the previous day for not taking a nap.

The situation escalated when Williams reportedly put his hands around her throat, choking her. The girl claimed this wasn't the first time Williams had choked her.

According to the criminal complaint, the 7-year-old girl explained to Sergeant Thoms that after being struck with the belt, she attempted to escape by running into the hallway.Allegedly, a woman and a 4-year-old boy witnessed the incident. The woman reportedly told the girl to "stop moving," and Williams continued the assault despite her intervention.

The criminal complaint suggests that Williams also struck the 4-year-old boy with the belt, causing the girl to hear the boy crying.

The MPD took swift action following the incident. On January 18, a statement was released, announcing the arrest of an officer as a suspect in a child abuse case.

Milwaukee Police Officer Faces Felony Child Abuse Charges: The officer was identified as Frank Williams, and he was placed on full suspension pending further investigation.

The victim's condition, who has not been named, remains unknown as of the latest reports.Newsweek reached out to the MPD for comment and updates on the case, but there has been no response at the time of publication.

Additionally, it is unclear whether Williams has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Williams, who was sworn in as an MPD recruit in 2016, now faces serious charges filed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office reported that Williams was released from custody on Saturday morning, raising questions about the legal proceedings and the potential implications of his release.

This distressing incident raises concerns not only about the alleged actions of a police officer but also about the broader issue of child abuse within families.

The details provided by the 7-year-old victim paint a troubling picture of an escalation from physical discipline to a violent and potentially life-threatening encounter.

The involvement of a fellow adult who witnessed the incident adds complexity to the case. The unidentified woman's attempt to intervene, as detailed in the criminal complaint, sheds light on the disturbing dynamics within the situation.

The woman's instructions for the girl to "stop moving" and her alleged plea with Williams to cease the assault provide crucial context to the unfolding events.

The emotional and physical impact on the 7-year-old girl and the 4-year-old boy, who was also allegedly struck during the incident, remains a significant concern.

he lack of information regarding how the girl arrived at the hospital and the well-being of the boy adds to the uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of this disturbing event.

30-year-old Frank Williams Milwaukee police. Photo: 

As the legal process unfolds, questions arise about the potential consequences Williams may face if found guilty of the charges.

The severity of felony child abuse and strangulation charges could lead to substantial penalties, including imprisonment. The public's trust in law enforcement is also at stake, considering that Williams was a sworn officer with the MPD.

The Milwaukee community awaits further updates on this case, hoping for justice for the young victims and clarity on the circumstances surrounding the alleged actions of Officer Frank Williams.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability within law enforcement and the broader responsibility to protect vulnerable members of society, especially children, from abuse.