Kavanaugh pleads not guilty to theft

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A former Milwaukee County official appointed by Gov. Scott Walker while he was county executive is pleading not guilty to theft and fraud charges.

Kevin Kavanaugh is accused of stealing $42,000 from veterans and their families.

According to online court records, he also waived his preliminary hearing and was bound over for trial Friday. A scheduling conference was set for Jan. 30.
Kavanaugh is charged as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation.
Also charged is Tim Russell, Walker's former deputy chief of staff in the county. He faces embezzlement charges related to a nonprofit Walker asked him to head.

Russell's domestic partner, Brian Pierick, faces child enticement charges. Prosecutors say they found that evidence while looking through Russell's phones and computers.