Former Walker aide set for trial in John Doe-related case
MILWAUKEE - A former top aide to Gov. Scott Walker when he ran Milwaukee County's executive branch has been set for trial.
Kelly M. Rindfleisch used to work for Walker when he was the Milwaukee County Executive. She's accused of doing campaign work on county time.
Walker could be called to testify as a witness, but Judge David Hanscher reiterated that "Scott Walker is not on trial here, and I'm going to emphasize that to the jury...he's not the defendant...I'm not going to turn this case into a trial or referendum on Scott Walker."
The 43-year-old has pleaded not guilty to four counts of misconduct in office. The charges carry a maximum combined penalty of six years in prison and a $40,000 fine.
Her defense lost an earlier bid to have the case dismissed.
Attorney Frank Gimbel asked Judge Hanscher to have potential jurors declare a political affiliation.
"I will not ask to have anyone identify themselves as saying 'I consider myself a Democrat,' or how they voted in the last gubernatorial election," responded Hanscher.
However, he said he woud ask if any potential juror is actively involved in political campaigns.
Defense attorney Frank Gimbel had argued that some of the allegations in the criminal complaint were based on statements Rindfleisch made to investigators in 2002 under the promise of immunity.
Her jury trial is scheduled to begin in three weeks.
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