Chris Larson campaign aide quits amid criminal investigation, but he will NOT be charged

MILWAUKEE -- A top aide to Wisconsin Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) has quit the campaign for Milwaukee County executive while facing a criminal investigation. But FOX6 News learned on Thursday evening, January 28th he will NOT be criminally charged.

Political Outreach Director Mike Wilder resigned Wednesday afternoon, January 27th -- the third staffer to leave the campaign since it began in October. Wilder earned a $5,000 per month salary, said Josh Kilroy, Larson's campaign manager.

"He resigned (Wednesday) afternoon because of a personal matter that demanded his full attention," Kilroy said.

Kent Lovern with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office said Wilder was the subject of a criminal investigation. Later, Lovern told FOX6 News the DA's Office would not be bringing charges against Wilder.

 

Wilder started with the campaign in mid-November and was the second-most senior member of Larson's team, Kilroy said.

The campaign's finance report filed in January does not show the total amount paid to Wilder. That's because the Wisconsin Democratic Party has been acting as the campaign's payroll manager, Kilroy said.

Wilder earned less than $200 directly from the campaign for consulting work, the finance report indicated.

"We are learning about this with everyone else and have no additional facts to provide at this time," Kilroy said in a statement earlier Thursday. "We are shocked and saddened by this development."

Wilder is a Milwaukee-based activist who worked most recently with the liberal group Wisconsin Voices, according to an earlier news release from the Larson campaign.

Larson's former campaign manager, Rick Coelho, resigned in November. The campaign didn't provide an explanation, and Kilroy was hired that same month. In December, the campaign replaced its field director.