WARNING: Some readers may find the content of this story disturbing.
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A former police officer who had inappropriate sexual contact with his dog was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison.
Steven Rosales, 35, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of bestiality – engaging in sexual conduct with an animal for incidents at his Campbellsport home.
Rosales is a former school liaison officer in Washington County charged with misconduct in office and one count of sexual misconduct by a school staff member. Prosecutors say he exchanged explicit photos and more than 9,000 texts with a Kewaskum High School student. The next court date in that case is a plea hearing on Jan. 31.
While investigating the Kewaskum case, police reviewed the contents of Rosales’ phone, and found conversations “regarding Steven engaging in sexual intercourse and cunnilingus with his dog.” That information led to the bestiality charges in Fond du Lac County.
He was also placed on extended supervision for three years by Judge Andrew Christenson.
Before the sentence was issued, Rosales apologized to his family, friends, and the community. He pointed to health issues, work stress, multiple miscarriages by his wife, and other circumstances which damaged his mental health, leading to negative coping skills and sex addiction.
“I have made a lot of mistakes. And I have been open and honest about those mistakes. And I accept full responsibility for what I did. I just hope that it’s seen that I have changed and I have learned from this. All I can say is that I’m not the same person that I was,” Rosales said.
According to the criminal complaint, in the texts, he describes the interactions with the dog, and also explains his behavior.
“I know, but still a weird thing to hear. And it’s illegal. I just don’t want you thinking I’m a weirdo. I just want you to understand that’s what happened when I have alone downtime,” one text from Rosales states.
Police went to Rosales’ home in Campbellsport, where they found three dogs, all golden retrievers. Rosales said the contact was with just one of them, a 4-year-old named Tolula.
“Steven confirmed there were messages sent between him and Witness 1 about involving animals and sexual acts. Steven said he did this to try to get Witness 1 to be aroused by his actions,” the complaint states.
The Kewaskum Police Department said Rosales is no longer employed by the department.
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