A former state worker sentenced to five years in prison for killing his wife…will receive his state pension. Eugene Zapata recently copped a plea deal for the 1976 murder.
Mike McCabe with the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign says taxpayers have to "foot the bill" for the confinement of criminals like Zapata, as well as, cover the costs of their pensions. "It's just something the average tax payer is going to naturally resent."
There is no law that requires retirements be revoked even when the employees commit crimes. State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) introduced a similar bill in the wake over of several lawmakers convicted of corruption. His measure would strip the pension of elected officials who "betray the public trust." He believes a case like Zapata is different. He says, "You've earned those dollars in your retirement system, it's totally unrelated to your work as a state employee and state worker."
Zapata, 69, will receive an estimated $29,000 a year.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 1:03)
