Former Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer bound over for trial

MILWAUKEE - Tearman Spencer, the former Milwaukee city attorney charged last year with misconduct in office, pleaded not guilty and was bound over for trial on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

What they're saying:

According to a criminal complaint, the district attorney's office found Spencer used discretionary power as city attorney to prevent the city's client, the Department of Neighborhood Services, from performing inspections and assessments on a property where he stored cars.

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Specifically, the 68-year-old Spencer is accused of directing city attorney's office staff and resources to the property avoid fees and repairs on required Department of Neighborhood Services inspections that totaled thousands of dollars. 

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Former Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer charged with misconduct

Milwaukee County prosecutors accuse Tearman Spencer, the former Milwaukee city attorney who lost his reelection bid in April, of felony misconduct.

Dig deeper:

Prosecutors said Spencer also "misled" investigators about the use of resources for his personal benefit while also admitting that he directed city attorney resources for his personal benefit – and contrary to the office's client, the city of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS). The city attorney's office would be tasked with representing DNS in court.

Spencer was first elected city attorney in April 2020, and the misconduct in question took place between June 1, 2022 and Feb. 14, 2023. He lost his reelection bid in April 2024.

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What's next:

Court records show Spencer is due back in court in April. In addition to felony misconduct, he is charged with misdemeanor obstructing an officer in the case.