CAMPBELL, WI &#8211 Embattled town of Campbell Police Chief Tim Kelemen pleaded not contest today to a misdemeanor that accuses him of using a tea party activist’s information online during work hours to retaliate for a federal lawsuit brought against him.

The charge will be dismissed in two years if Kelemen avoids new crimes, continues counseling and completes 40 hours of community service under the conditions of a diversion agreement.

After months of conflict between the town, police and tea party activists, Kelemen in January and March used activist Greg Luce’s name, address, phone number and email address to create accounts on pornographic, dating and insurance websites, according to police reports.

Kelemen initially denied his conduct during a May 27 interview with investigators before admitting his conduct, which he didn’t view as “that big of a deal,” according to the complaint.

His attorney, Jim Birnbaum, contends tea party members harassed town and police officials for months after board members in October passed an ordinance prohibiting speech-related behavior on an Interstate 90 pedestrian overpass.

The chief viewed the activity as a public safety risk; Luce and another tea party member argued the ordinance trampled on their rights and responded with a federal lawsuit. The amended suit accuses Kelemen of violating Luce’s right to petition without retaliation, invasion of privacy and civil identity theft.

The board placed Kelemen on paid leave June 12 after hearing from community members that the chief had lost credibility.

Luce told the judge today that Kelemen is guilty of more severe charges and is “only getting a slap on the wrist.”

“This was not a joke as Kelemen stated when he confessed, it is a serious crime,” Luce testified. “Kelemen created a gay profile on match.com using my name, phone number, address, picture and more which caused me dozens of phone calls and was viewed by hundreds or thousands over the six days it was active.”

The chief also posted “hateful and harassing comments” on the Tribune’s website, including details about the condition of Luce’s property “showing that he was stalking me,” Luce testified.

Luce said he suspects the chief suffered a psychological breakdown “and should never be allowed to carry a badge and a gun again.”

“I don’t believe a diversion agreement is fair in this situation,” Luce said. “My reputation and my civil rights have been seriously harmed, and the criminal is going to again get a slap on the wrist by the La Crosse court system.”

Kelemen did not address the court.

From The LaCrosse Tribune