John Doe probe: Prosecutors believe Gov. Walker was at center of nationwide "criminal scheme"

MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Newly released documents show prosecutors believe Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was at the center of a nationwide "criminal scheme" to illegally coordinate fundraising with outside conservative groups. 

No charges have been filed against Walker or any member of his staff.

The documents became public Thursday, June 19th as part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the investigation by the conservative group Wisconsin Club for Growth.

One of the filings from prosecutors outlines previously unknown details about the investigation that began in 2012 -- as Gov. Walker was facing a recall election.

The documents show prosecutors believe one of Gov. Walker's top campaign operatives used the non-profit Wisconsin Club for Growth as a hub to coordinate campaigns during hotly-contested recall battles.

Prosecutors claim the operative funneled money through political groups that are not required to show how the money is spent.

"The alleged coordination means that they were taking invisible money to advance campaign purposes, even though they were banned from doing that," UW-Milwaukee Professor of Governmental Affairs Mordecai Lee said.

Prosecutors say Gov. Walker, his chief of staff and others who worked for him were discussing illegal coordination with a number of national groups and prominent figures, including GOP strategist Karl Rove.

In the documents, prosecutors say Gov. Walker was in on the scheme.

Meanwhile, Republicans are calling the case a witch hunt.

CLICK HERE to view all of the newly-released documents