



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The "duty disability" program is a system that some top city officials say is helping Milwaukee police officers in trouble with the law to ensure they still get paychecks for life -- and currently, they say there is very little that can be done about it.



Former Milwaukee Police Officer Anthony Bialecki has recently been convicted of buying illegal prescription pills.



Bialecki admitted to the crime in court two weeks ago -- and while he is no longer on the force, there is a good chance he will be getting paychecks from the city for a very long time.



In documents obtained by FOX6 News, Bialecki has filed an application for duty disability.



Bialecki claims he is totally incapacitated, after killing a suspect who reached for what he thought was a gun back in 2009.



However, it took Bialecki four years to file for disability -- only applying after he had been busted for buying illegal prescriptions.



Through duty disability, after convincing a panel of doctors they can't do their job, officers receive 75% of their salary tax free.



"Nowhere else in any work world, in the private sector or anywhere else, would someone be able to get this type of benefit if they're being terminated or criminally charged," Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy said.



Alderman Murphy says this problem has been going on for years -- and says he is concerned, not just about the number of duty disability applications -- but who may be helping to fill them out.



Sources tell FOX6 News Bradley Debraska has been showing up with officers at City Hall to help file disability claims.



Debraska is a convicted felon. The former head of the Milwaukee Police Association spent six months in prison after being convicted of forging documents.



Now, sources say Debraska has a new job with a new union -- saying Debraska works as a consultant with the Milwaukee Police Supervisors Organization -- working out of an unmarked building.



"Anyone of any common sense would indicate this should be a red flag," Alderman Murphy said.



Alderman Murphy says there appears to be a pattern of police officers under investigation immediately applying for duty disability.



Applications with Debraska's signature include an application for Jason Bleichwehl -- indicted for his involvement in the Derek Williams case, but never criminally charged. Also -- Rodolfo Gomez, a Milwaukee police detective charged in connection with the attack of a suspect in an interrogation room.



Just a day before he was scheduled in court, Gomez filed his duty disability application with the city.



"If someone is being criminally investigated for wrongdoing and they are granted a pension, in this case a disability pension, prior to that decision being released, I think it is wrong," Alderman Murphy said.



The Milwaukee Police Association says there is not proof abuse is occuring. The MPA's president told FOX6 News applicants go through intense scrutiny from medical professionals.



Alderman Murphy says abuse is costing taxpayers and estimates $10 million. An audit of the disability program is currently underway.