Former Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Lieutenant Sentenced to Four Months’ Imprisonment

Press Release

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced that on October 24, 2024, Johanna Grace (age: 34) was sentenced to four months' imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, after providing marijuana and a cellular telephone to an inmate of the Waukesha County Jail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2(a), 1791(a)(1), 1791(b)(3), and 1791(b)(4).

Publicly filed documents reflect that when Grace committed this offense, she was serving as a Correctional Lieutenant with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office. On multiple occasions, Grace coordinated with associates outside the Waukesha County Jail to bring contraband inside the facility. When a tipster outside the jail alerted authorities to Grace's misconduct, Grace shared internal law enforcement reports with her associates, who then confronted the tipster. Grace acknowledged that as part of her offense of conviction, she obstructed justice.

Before imposing sentence, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller found that this was a "deadly serious matter." Judge Stadtmueller explained that as a supervisor at the Waukesha County Jail, Grace was entrusted to preserve the rule of law. Judge Stadtmueller further noted that a sentence of imprisonment was required to deter others. Judge Stadtmueller also explained that the defendant's request for a probationary sentence was not appropriate, because a non-custodial sentence would do "no service to the rule of law."

"Today's sentence is the direct result of an individual abusing her authority and violating the trust of the residents she was entrusted to serve and protect," said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. "I commend the courage of the tipster to come forward and the collaborative efforts of all involved in pursuing this investigation and prosecution."

"It's incomprehensible that Ms. Grace used her position as to smuggle contraband into the jail," said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. "Today's sentence reinforces the FBI's commitment along with our local, state and federal partners to keep Wisconsin's county jail system safe and secure while holding those accountable who work within the criminal justice system."

"Correctional officers are not above the law, and this sentence illustrates the importance of investigating corrupt officials who compromise the safety within our jails," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. "Working in coordination with our local and federal law enforcement partners ensures these cases are investigated and prosecuted as appropriate."

This matter was investigated by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Halopka-Ivery and Kevin Knight.

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Updated October 24, 2024