PORTAGE, Wis. – A Portage police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave following disturbing allegations that he physically abused his 6-month-old son, according to a criminal complaint filed in Sauk County.
Cameron Coronado, 32, is facing possible charges including physical abuse of a child and misdemeanor disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.
The complaint details a statement from the child’s mother, who said she awoke around 3 a.m. to feed their baby and later saw Coronado wiping blood from the infant’s mouth. Coronado allegedly admitted to forcefully shoving a pacifier into the child’s mouth.
She then discovered a cut in the baby’s throat and noted the infant was having trouble swallowing. A hospital visit followed, where a physician assistant described the injury as force-related. A CT scan later revealed bleeding on the child’s brain, and further tests were ordered.
The woman told detectives that Coronado struggles with frustration, once punching a wall and on another occasion reportedly saying he would “kill the kids” if the baby didn’t stop crying. That incident, dated July 9, also involved Coronado allegedly throwing a glass bottle and punching holes in the drywall after being told to take space.
Portage Police Chief Keith Klafke confirmed Coronado’s leave and emphasized that the officer’s actions are not representative of the department. Since Coronado serves in Columbia County, Sauk County officials will handle the investigation, and a special prosecutor has been requested.
As of now, no court date has been scheduled.
