TODAY'S TMJ4

New E-Mails Shed Light On Chief Flynn Affair

By Michael George

MILWAUKEE - New details are emerging about the affair between Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn and journalist Jessica McBride.

E-mail correspondence between the two was released on Friday in response to a request by TODAY’S TMJ4. The e-mails Flynn sent using his city provided e-mail account are subject to open records laws.

Flynn admitted to the affair last month. The two began corresponding when McBride was writing an article about Flynn for Milwaukee Magazine.

A stack of e-mails reveals months of conversations between the two. They discussed everything from city politics to movies.

On January 7, Flynn asks, "One day when you're in town on campus we can get a cup of coffee."

But there’s no indication from the released e-mails that the meeting took place until months later.

On March 30, McBride writes, "Let me know when you want to catch a cup of coffee after you get back, now that the story has been put to bed."

The e-mail seems to corroborate McBride’s claim that the affair began only after her article was finished.

They also talk about leaving police spokesperson Anne E. Schwartz out of their private, off the record conversations.

On March 16, McBride writes, "I haven’t been copying the e-mails to her."

The same day, Flynn responds, "Not to worry. I figure "off the record" is our mutual rule."

The e-mails indicate the two didn’t meet up socially until at least late April. McBride suggests they get a drink rather than coffee.

On April 26, McBride says, "If you had a Guinness with Bob Donovan, you can have one with me."

She also adds, " :-) I can speak a lot more bluntly when we are not talking by e-mail."

Chief Flynn was also candid about his opinions involving politics and other city and county officials. He tells McBride that he has been pushing for the Mayor to support a concealed carry law to allow the public to carry concealed weapons.

He also takes a jab at Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. In a March 16, e-mail exchange, McBride asks Flynn about his response to a question about the early release of inmates. Flynn responds, "I was trying not to become embroiled in any reflexive "outrage" (per the always outraged sheriff)."

Chief Flynn was asked about the affair earlier this week. "I am working hard to restore my credibility to my family. It’s the most important credibility for me right now," Flynn said.

McBride released a statement to TODAY’S TMJ4, reading, "The e-mails document what I’ve said from the beginning: that this started after the story was completed and out to subscribers. I again ask the media to respect the privacy of all individuals involved."