Former Scott Walker Aide Accused of Embezzling From Charity For Deceased Soldiers’ Kids
As part of the John Doe probe, Tim Russell, a Scott Walker aide, was arrested for charges of embezzling money meant for families of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two others were also arrested. Russell faces two felony counts for theft and a misdemeanor, including theft from two campaigns in addition to the money he allegedly embezzled from Operation Freedom.
Walker appointee Brian Pierick, Russell’s domestic partner, is also charged with child enticement for showing his genitals to a child. Kevin Kavanaugh was arrested for theft from funds meant for the children of soldiers who died serving their country. Russell and Kavanaugh allegedly used the stolen money for personal trips and expenses.
Walker was originally handling Operation Freedom through his office as county Executive but changed to a charitable organization later, which was run by Russell.
WisPolitics reports:
According to the criminal complaint, Kavanaugh embezzled at least $42,232 from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. That include money that former state Rep. Mark Gundrum, R-New Berlin, donated to the group from his legislative salary while he was serving in Iraq that was intended to benefit wounded veterans.
Russell, who has worked on Walker’s campaigns and served in various positions in county government while Walker was county executive, coordinated the military event for Walker. He was serving as county housing director in August of 2010 when law enforcement seized his computer as part of the probe.
Russell attorney Michael Maistelman declined comment on the charges.
Also arrested and charged was Brian Pierick, 48, who lives with Russell and is his business and domestic partner. He was charged with felony counts of child enticement and one for exposing his genitals. According to the complaint, investigators found evidence to support the charges after confiscating computers in the home the two share in Sun Prairie as part of the probe into the embezzlement allegations.
The charges against Russell, 48, also relate to Operation Freedom as well as theft from the campaigns of two county board candidates according to the criminal complaints.
Read more: http://www.politicususa.com/en/scott-walker-embezzlement
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