Milwaukee County children's court judge arrested on child porn charges
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee County judge was arrested on tentative charges of possession of child pornography.
Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Justice identified the judge as Brett Blomme, age 38, a circuit court judge in Milwaukee County.
The arrest comes after an investigation into "multiple uploads of child pornography through a Kik messaging application account in October and November 2020," DOJ officials said. After "linking those uploads" to Blomme, search warrants were executed at his chambers, vehicle and homes in Milwaukee County and Dane County -- and Blomme was arrested.
Brett Blomme
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DOJ officials noted, as in any criminal proceeding, Blomme is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and a criminal complaint is expected to be filed Wednesday -- formally charging Blomme.
Blomme began a six-year term on Aug. 1, presiding over children's court here at the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center. This, after Blomme defeated Paul Dedinsky in the April election.
Tuesday's news came as a shock to parents like Hendriel Anderson, who lives near Blomme.
"You would like to think that everyone in your community is a working professional -- and committed to community building and committed to keeping the community safe and for everyone to have equal access, but that's not always the case," said Anderson.
No one answered at Blomme's home Tuesday, but neighbors said they're on edge.
"You have to know who your children are, who they're playing with, and just in terms of social media, who your child has access to, and more importantly, who has access to your child," said Anderson.
Blomme previously served as president of the Cream City Foundation and held positions under Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
In a statement to FOX6, Mayor Barrett said: "The allegations are alarming. Before he was elected to the bench, the judge served as chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals, an appointed board in City Government. The reports of the arrest came as a complete surprise."
Milwaukee County Chief Judge Mary Triggiano also sent a statement saying she wouldn't comment on the case, adding that a different judge will handle Blomme's caseload.