February 21, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – On Friday, February 21, 2025, Washington County District Attorney Barry J. Braatz announced that Michael A. Westphal was sentenced for Trafficking of a Child and multiple counts of Possession of Child Pornography, stemming from a multi-jurisdictional investigation in 2023 and 2024, led by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which uncovered Westphal’s involvement in the trafficking of a child in the Philippines and possession of numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse.
The Court imposed a total bifurcated sentence of 35 years of initial confinement followed by 25 years of extended supervision. The State, by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie L. Hanson, recommended a total sentence of 35 years of initial confinement followed by 25-30 years of extended supervision.
District Attorney Braatz said “I commend the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and all other agencies involved in this investigation, for their efforts in bringing this individual to justice. This case demonstrates and sends a clear message that the trafficking, exploitation, and victimization of children will never be tolerated in this community, and we will work tirelessly with law enforcement to hold these criminals accountable and take dangerous predators off our streets.”
This case was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, led by Detective Tyler L’Allier. The case was prosecuted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
Below are articles and the criminal complaint previously published on WashingtonCountyInsider.com
July 18, 2023 – West Bend, WI – Adult content warning: A 35-year-old Village of Newburg man who worked for the West Bend School District is being held on $500,000 cash bond as he awaits a preliminary hearing on September 20, 2023 on 10 felony charges for allegedly possessing, sharing, and soliciting child sexual abuse material.
Michael Westphal was taken into custody without incident and a review of the criminal complaint depicts graphic content including child sex abuse material, “bedtime rape” of children 1 to 10 years old, and a father assaulting his 5-year-old daughter.
Sheriff Martin Schulteis said, “When investigators looked at the deeply disturbing nature of the unlawful material, coupled with the fact that the suspect was a long-time school district employee, this case was quickly identified as a top agency priority. Typically, these cases can take several months to put together; however, investigators worked diligently to put us in a place where we could act in an accelerated manner without compromising the quality of the investigation. At this time, I want to reiterate that no evidence has been found to suggest that we have any local victims, however, we must get through all the evidence before we can give that assurance to the community.”
PARENTAL ADVISORY/TRIGGER WARNING: The following sexually explicit information is not suitable for minors. It may also be harmful or traumatizing to some individuals.
To access portions of the criminal complaint, CLICK HERE.
Westphal has been formally charged in Washington County Circuit Court with 10 felony counts of possession of child pornography and more charges are likely in the future as this investigation is far from over, according to the Sheriff.
“Investigators still have a significant amount of electronic evidence to analyze and follow up to conduct. We are working in partnership with the West Bend Police Department and School District on this case and will continue the collaborative effort moving forward. We were assisted by the City of Hartford Police Department as well as the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation. We are thankful for the assistance these partners have provided and continue to provide. Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty. We are releasing the name and charges at this time in the specific interest of public transparency.
“Anyone with pertinent information regarding the criminal investigation can contact Lieutenant of Detectives Tim Kemps with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at (262) 335-4846.”
