A former chief of staff under former Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker is scheduled for a plea hearing Thursday related to charges alleging she made illegal campaign calls while on public time, bringing the ongoing John Doe investigation one step closer culmination.
Kelly Rindfleisch is scheduled to meet with Assistant District Attorney Bruce Landgraf in Milwaukee, according to online court records, and would be the second former Walker aide charged.
Rindfleisch faces four felony charges for misconduct in public office.
If she enters a guilty plea, Walker, who was on a list of possible prosecution witnesses, would not have to testify at the trial.
The prosecution alleges Rindfleisch and Darlene Wink, the other aide who has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, were part of a secret email system set up in Walker’s office that helped employees engage in campaign work while on taxpayer time.
While he has repeatedly insisted he is not a target, Walker’s involvement in and knowledge of the illegal activity has been questioned throughout the John Doe investigation. Walker’s office was just 25 feet away from Rindfleisch’s office.
Democrats called on Walker to provide details about his involvement in the scandal in the days leading up to his recall election June 5.
"A reasonable person should have deep worries about Scott Walker's culpability in the crimes alleged,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said in a statement June 3, hoping to connect Walker with the investigation.
