Waterford Police Department Allegations
Key Issues Documented in the Waterford Investigation

Waterford Investigation Allegations:

In the Waterford interview, the investigator said complaints came from female officers and were “corroborated by male officers.” Below are reported allegations found in the Waterford transcript:
 

Hostile work environment:

• Officers reportedly described him as hostile, degrading, and unprofessional

• Investigator said officers described his conduct made them feel uncomfortable
   

Inappropriate Comments toward female officers and employees

• Allegation that he told a female officer after childbirth that her vest made her “look fat,” that she needed to lose weight, and should remove the vest

• Allegation that he made appearance-related comments about a female employee, including her weight, clothing, and gray hair -- told the woman to go to Walmart to buy hair color so she would "look better"
   

Comments about women

• Allegation that he made sexualized comments about women at public events

  • “she’s got a banging body for a 50-year-old,”

  • “look at her ass,” calling women “hot,” and comments about breasts

• Investigator said officers described this as happening on a “consistent, constant basis”
   

Flirting / sexualized behavior

• Allegation that he had a continuous pattern of flirting

• Investigator asked whether he bragged to officers about sexual experiences

• Allegation that he invited women he met at public events to come see him while he was working
   

Showing inappropriate photos of women

• Allegation that he showed inappropriate photos of women he dated or had sexual relations with

• Questions included bikini, lingerie, and other revealing photos that he showed

• Nelson said photo he shared to officers were from Facebook gallery
   

Mixing Waterford police work with Franklin mayor business

• Allegations that he used department phones, police email, or on-duty time for campaign or mayoral business

• Investigator specifically asked whether he joined a Franklin city meeting by speakerphone while working in Waterford

• Investigator said the meeting was reportedly paused while he handled a traffic stop

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John Nelson retired from the Waterford Police Department before the investigation was completed. WISN reported he retired “amid an ongoing investigation.” TMJ4 likewise reports he retired about five months after being placed on leave.