Former Walker aide Timothy Russell sentenced to two years in prison

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee County judge sentenced Timothy Russell, a former aide of Gov. Scott Walker, on Tuesday, January 22nd to two years in prison plus another five years of extended supervision.

Prosecutors charged Russell in January 2012 with two felonies and a misdemeanor for stealing at least $21,000 from the nonprofit group Walker asked him to lead — and stealing money from two County Board candidates’ campaigns. It’s money Russell allegedly used for personal trips and more.

Russell pleaded guilty to stealing from the group on Thursday, November 29th. Prosecutors in exchange dismissed the campaign theft charges.

A prosecutor asked the judge to sentence Russell to two years in prison and two years of extended supervision. Russell's attorney asked for probation.

In court on Tuesday, Russell apologized for the crimes.

"I will need to work actively for the rest of my life to try to rebuild the trust that others had in me -- both my friends and family. I will take responsibility and live the rest of my life trying to make up for the wounds I've caused to others," Russell said.

Judge David Hansher sentenced Russell and scolded him for his actions.

"He proceeds then to treat this veterans' fund substantially as his own personal piggy bank. He also used funds to pay off debts incurred to set up websites for Scott Walker for governor and opposition research against one of his opponents in the primary election," Judge Hansher said.

After the sentencing, neither Russell's lawyer or the prosecution commented.

However, the judge soon called all parties back to his courtroom on Tuesday afternoon. This time, Russell came in the custody of deputies, wearing jail slippers.

Judge Hansher wanted to clarify his statements that Russell was not officially charged with misconduct in public office. The charge is theft from a business -- although the judge said Russell did act inappropriately as a County official.

Russell is one of several former Milwaukee County workers charged and sentenced as a result of a John Doe probe into County workers working on political campaigns while on County time.

At the end of March, Russell will be back in court where a judge will decide how much of those stolen funds Russell will have to pay back.

Gov. Walker himself hasn’t been charged with any wrongdoing.