MILWAUKEE — Two civil lawsuits have been filed over illegal strip searches by Milwaukee police.
The lawsuits have been filed by five men who were among those who came forward during a criminal investigation into the searches. Four officers were charged as a result. One officer, Michael Vagnini (vag-NEE'-nee), has been sentenced to 26 months in prison. Charges against the three others are pending.
State law and Milwaukee Police Department policy prohibit police officers from doing cavity searches under any circumstances. Such searches can be performed only by a doctor, physician's assistant or registered nurse.
The Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/133itcN ) says the plaintiffs allege the illegal searches were allowed to continue without any retribution. The lawsuits don't demand a damage amount.
A message left with the Milwaukee city attorney Thursday wasn't immediately returned
