Clayton Police Chief Grant Pickard was arrested Wednesday afternoon, September 6, and transferred to the St. Croix County Jail. He awaits the outcome of eight separate charges relating to the sexual assault and abuse of an employee.
Pickard made an initial appearance in Polk County Circuit Court two days later wearing a black t-shirt and pants, after being arrested in uniform.
A complaint was not available prior to the court appearance. But as of approximately 4 p.m. Friday, Pickard had been officially charged with four counts of felony misconduct in office, two counts of fourth degree sexual assault, one count of obscenity through use of a computer, and one count of lewd and lascivious behavior.
According to the thirteen-page criminal complaint, the charges allege sexual contact between Pickard and his female subordinate officer that began in the summer of 2016, in which both Pickard and the victim claim to have been drunk when they had sexual intercourse at the victim’s home. The victim claims that Pickard forced himself on her during the incident, and has continued to act inappropriately toward her since that time, citing numerous incidents of unwanted touching, texting, and other sexual contact.
In the investigation, Pickard admitted to the sexual contact at the victim’s home, along with other subsequent incidents, but claimed that the sex and ‘casual’ communication that followed were consensual, and that the victim had only recently started acting strangely after her work performance came under closer scrutiny.
Pickard and the victim are the only two officers on the Clayton Police Department. It’s not yet clear how the developments will impact public safety needs for the village.
During Friday’s initial appearance, St. Croix County District Attorney Michael Nieskes appeared as a special prosecutor in the case. Pickard appeared with attorney Bruce Anderson.
According to discussion in the course of setting bond, Pickard was said to be on administrative leave from his department. He was ordered to surrender and have no contact with electronics from the Clayton Police Department, or the victim in the case.
Pickard did not request a new judge or change of venue.
Nieskes called the allegations a violation of public trust, and citing ‘overt threats’ made to the victim, requested a $10k cash bond.
Judge Jeffery Anderson agreed with the prosecution and ordered the $10k cash bond.
Pickard’s attorney indicated that he would likely post the bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 13.