Two more ex-Walker aides charged in John Doe investigation

Wisconsin State Journal ^ | 1-26-12 | MARY SPICUZZA

[afraidfortherepublic]

Two more former aides to Gov. Scott Walker have been charged with crimes linked to political fundraising while working on county time in the ongoing John Doe investigation.

Both worked for Walker while he was serving as Milwaukee County Executive, and both are accused of fundraising activities while at their taxpayer-funded day jobs.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Thursday that Kelly Rindfleisch, the former deputy chief of staff for Walker, also worked as a fundraiser for then lieutenant governor candidate Brett Davis. She is charged with four felony counts of misconduct in public office.

Prosecutors say Rindfleisch spent "significant time" doing political campaign work while working in the county executive's office.

"In the course of the investigation it was learned that a private email network was established and operated out of the County Executive's office and that private network was used to communicate both political campaign and government work related information to select individuals," prosecutors wrote in the release announcing charges.

Also charged was Darlene Wink, the Walker staffer who resigned last year after admitting to posting numerous pro-Walker political comments online while working in the county executive's office. Wink was charged with two misdemeanor counts of political solicitation by public employee.

Wink, 61, was allegedly arranging fundraisers, "robo-calls" and writing campaign-related press releases. The counts allege she violated state laws prohibiting solicitation of political contributions in public buildings and banning public employees from soliciting or receiving money or services for any political purpose while at work.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Wisconsin John Doe Investigation Breaking News Ping

If you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list just FReep Mail me.

[Obadiah]

...admitting to posting numerous pro-Walker political comments online while working in the county executive's office.

Seriously?? Are you kidding me? Ninety percent of legislative staff should be in jail then. What about congressional staffers?

[Mr. K]

they left off “[fundraising] while being Republican”

otherwise, it is not a crime.

[Joe the Pimpernel]

Seriously?? Are you kidding me? Ninety percent of legislative staff should be in jail then. What about congressional staffers?

Pfft.

Those laws only apply to people who aren't Eric Holder's people.

[Squantos]

So all of Obamas staff has to work for free when he’s on a fundraiser .............?

[vetvetdoug]

They can’t charge Democrats because the work force would be cut over 50% and the State couldn’t operate.

[fella]

Sounds like the politicaly motivated investigations by that Travis county (Austin) D.A. that were unfounded but ruined a number of good conserivatives. Also reminds me of the way Palin was driven out of office by the expense of litigation. DA’s who do this should themselves go to jail.

[littleharbour]

Witch hunt.