Former Village Clerk/Treasurer Charged with Theft and Misconduct

AG: Wisconsin Press Releases

Filed March 13th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Wisconsin Department of Justice and Dodge County District Attorney announced charges against Deanna B. Braunschweig, former clerk/treasurer for the Villages of Neosho and Chenequa. Braunschweig is accused of stealing over $280,000 and misusing village credit cards between October 2018 and September 2025.

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What changed

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Dodge County District Attorney, has announced criminal charges against Deanna B. Braunschweig, the former clerk/treasurer for the Villages of Neosho and Chenequa. Braunschweig faces two counts of misconduct in office and two counts of theft in a business setting, stemming from allegations of stealing over $280,000 from the Village of Neosho between October 2018 and September 2025. Additionally, she is accused of misusing village credit cards for unrelated expenses, including waste services and internet bills.

This enforcement action highlights potential vulnerabilities in municipal financial oversight and the consequences of public corruption. While the charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent, regulated entities, particularly local government officials and employees, should review their internal controls and financial procedures to prevent similar occurrences. The investigation was led by the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Dodge County DA is prosecuting the case.

What to do next

Review internal financial controls and procedures for municipal treasurers and clerks.
Ensure strict adherence to policies regarding the use of village credit cards and funds.

Penalties

The document states charges of misconduct in office and theft, which carry potential penalties under criminal law, but specific fines or sentencing are not detailed in this press release.

Source document (simplified)

Page 1 of 1 DOJ Communications Office DOJCommunications@doj.state.wi.us (608) 266-1220 NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2026 Former Village of Neosho and Village of Chenequa Clerk/Treasurer Charged with Theft and Misconduct in Public Office MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Dodge County District Attorney today announced that Deanna B. Braunschweig, the former clerk/treasurer for both the Village of Neosho in Dodge County, Wis. and the Village of Chenequa in Waukesha County, Wis., has been charged with two counts of misconduct in office and two counts of theft in a business setting. Braunschweig was arrested on Thursday, March 12, and booked into the Dodge County jail. According to the criminal complaint, beginning in October 2018 and continuing through September 2025, Braunschweig allegedly stole more than $280,000 from the Village of Neosho while working as the village clerk/treasurer. The complaint alleges that Braunschweig also used a Village of Chenequa credit card to pay a past due bill for waste and dumpster services for the Village of Neosho totaling more than $3,500. The complaint further alleges that Braunschweig used the Village of Chenequa credit card to pay an internet bill for the Village of Neosho. These charges are merely accusations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation was led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The Dodge County District Attorney is prosecuting the case.