CMPD officer charged in domestic violence investigation

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has charged one of its own in a domestic violence investigation.

According to the department, on Monday night, someone made an officer aware that they had been involved in an altercation. During the course of the investigation, the officer learned the victim was allegedly assaulted by CMPD officer Stephanie Michalowski.

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CMPD said the reporting officer immediately notified a police supervisor and the supervisor notified the CMPD Internal Affairs Division who began an internal investigation. The CMPD Domestic Violence Unit was notified and began a criminal investigation.

Michalowski has been charged with simple assault and misdemeanor false imprisonment.

According to the department, Michalowski has been employed with the CMPD since October 2020 and was assigned to patrol.

“It is always disheartening to me when I learn that one of our officers has violated the very laws that we are sworn to uphold,” Chief of Police Johnny Jennings said. “Professional accountability is a priority for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and our officers are expected to maintain this standard at all times.”

Michalowski has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs Bureau investigation.

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