MONROE — Former Darlington Police Chief Szvon D. Conway made his first appearance in court last Monday on charges including driving under the influence and hit-and-run from earlier this year.
The allegations stem from a single-vehicle crash June 19 in Monroe, where Conway lives. The crash was reported at about 10:36 p.m., near the intersection of 13th Street and 20th Avenue, according to a Monroe Police statement.
The investigation revealed Conway, 48, was operating westbound on 13th Street, when he proceeded through the T-intersection at 20th Avenue. The vehicle exited the roadway to the west and collided with a retaining wall.
Following the crash, Conway was located by police and evaluated by Green County EMS, who found him injured slightly, but not severely enough to be transported by ambulance.
Conway appeared this past Monday on his own behalf — without an attorney representing him — according to court records. But the judge in the case, Judge Jane Bucher, gave the longtime lawman time to hire his own attorney.
In addition to the operating under the influence and hit and run offenses, Conway was charged with Failure to Notify Law Enforcement of an Accident, Inattentive Driving, and Improper Lane Deviation.
In response to the allegations, the Darlington Special Police Committee held a hearing regarding Conway on Tuesday, July 14, and ultimately terminated Conway’s employment with the city, effective immediately. He had served as chief since March 5, 2024.
Darlington Mayor Dave Roelli wrote in a press release in July that the decision was made “after careful consideration” by the committee.
Conway previously served on the police force of the Village of New Glarus; and as the Monticello Police Chief.
According to public reports, Conway was previously added to a so-called Brady List in March 2025, which tracks law enforcement officers with potential credibility issues. The Brady List is an internal registry maintained by prosecutors that tracks law enforcement officers with documented histories of misconduct, dishonesty, or credibility issues.
Conway’s next appearance, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for 10 a.m. October 19, also before Bucher.