MADISON (AP) — Republican attorney general hopeful Brad Schimel says he would devote state Justice Department resources to helping Milwaukee prosecutors go after gun crimes — if they agree not to drop charges in plea deals.
Schimel's campaign released a statement Thursday, October 16th saying Schimel believes Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has been dropping charges against felons who possess firearms or choosing not to charge them.
Schimel said he would devote DOJ investigators and prosecutors to Milwaukee but only if local prosecutors agree not to dismiss possession charges during plea discussions. Schimel acknowledged his offer "absolutely" comes with strings attached.
A spokesman for Schimel's opponent, Democrat Susan Happ, says the attorney general should offer to help local prosecutors without interfering in their decisions.
Meanwhile, Chisholm has issued this statement: