WISCONSIN LEGISLATORS ACCUSED OF WRONGDOING, 1942 - 1995 WisPolitics is posting this list in response to numerous requests that have come in because of the ongoing caucus investigation. Here are highlights from a listing of Wisconsin legislators accused of wrongdoing. It's only a partial list and includes neither drunken driving charges nor motor vehicle incidents. The list is drawn from newspaper clips and other research. If you have suggestions or additions to this list, please let us know at info@wispolitics.com REPRESENTATIVE DAVID PLOMBON 1995 Violation Alleged: Jailed on June 23, 1995 for allegedly violating conditions of probation stemming from a previous conviction for marijuana possession. Result: At his request probation was revoked and he was resentenced on July 5, 1995 for misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana. Sentenced to 16 days in jail which was satisfied by 12 days time served and 4 days credit for good behavior. 1994 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Was arrested after failing drug test ordered by probation officer in December 1994. Result: Pleaded no contest. Sentenced to 18 months probation; $1,812 in fines and court costs. Violation Alleged: Charged with drunken driving (OWI) in February 1994. Result: Pleaded no contest in March 1994. Fined $486. Driver's license revoked. Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct in incident involving his car and estranged wife in March 1994. Result: Pleaded no contest in May 1994. Sentenced to 1 year probation and ordered to undergo assessment for chemical dependency. SENATOR RICHARD SHOEMAKER 1989-90 Violation Alleged: Charged with 5 felony violations of ethics, election and lobbying laws. Result: Pleaded guilty to 5 misdemeanors. Sentenced to 60 days in jail. Resigned from Legislature as part of plea agreement. 1987 Violation Alleged: Charged with violating ethics law by accepting lodging and food in connection with visit to Chicago in January 1987. Result: Acknowledged violation. Forfeited $500. --Other lawmakers -- past and present -- were charged with ethics law violations and paid fines in connection with the late 1980s Wisconsin lobbying scandal. WisPolitics.com is working to compile a complete list. REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT BEHNKE 1982 Violation Alleged: Charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault. Result: Charges dropped when alleged victim ruled an incompetent witness. Violation Alleged: Disorderly conduct stemming from an argument over a State Capitol parking spot. Result: Pleaded no contest. Fined $25 and assessed $13 court costs. SENATOR DAVID BERGER 1981 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Result: Convicted. REPRESENTATIVE WALTER WARD 1980 Violation Alleged: Charged with sexual assault (felony and misdemeanor) of legislative aide. Result: Convicted in June 1981. Sentenced to four years in prison. Defeated for reelection in September 1980 primary. Violation Alleged: Charged with two criminal misdemeanor election law violations by misuse of campaign funds in April 1980. Result: Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 30 days in the Milwaukee House of Corrections. REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD PABST 1980 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree sexual assault. Result: Case dismissed (lost re-election bid while awaiting trial). REPRESENTATIVE R. MICHAEL FERRALL 1978 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor misuse of state telephone credit card. Result: Case dismissed. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES LEWIS 1979 Violation Alleged: Charged with felony false swearing to a federal grand jury. Result: Convicted. Removed from office upon felony conviction pursuant to Article III, Section 2 (4) (a), Wisconsin Constitution and Section 6.03 (1) (b), Wisconsin Statutes. SENATOR JAMES DEVITT 1978 Violation Alleged: Charged with felony false testimony about campaign contributions. Result: Convicted. Removed from office upon felony conviction pursuant to Article III, Section 2 (4) (a), Wisconsin Constitution and Section 6.03 (1) (b), Wisconsin Statutes. SENATOR HENRY DORMAN 1978 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor misuse of state telephone credit card. Result: Case dismissed. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH LOOBY 1978 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor misuse of state telephone credit card. Result: Case dismissed. SENATOR BRUCE PELOQUIN 1978 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor theft of bricks. Result: Found not guilty. SENATOR MONROE SWAN 1978 Violation Alleged: Misuse of federally-paid CETA workers in unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor. Result: Convicted of felony and misdemeanor. Sentenced to 60 days in jail, 2 years probation and $2,000 fine. Removed from office upon felony conviction pursuant to Article III, Section 2 (4) (a), Wisconsin Constitution and Section 6.03 (1) (b), Wisconsin Statutes. REPRESENTATIVE MARCEL DANDENEAU 1977 Violation Alleged: Charged with misdemeanor violation of campaign finance laws. Result: Convicted. Paid $500 fine and $10 court costs. 1976 Violation Alleged: Charged with felony misconduct in public office. Result: Case dismissed. REPRESENTATIVE PAUL ALFONSI 1968 Violation Alleged: Charged with felony bribery. Result: Initially convicted and forced to vacate office - case overturned by Wisconsin Supreme Court. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIS HUTNIK 1968 Violation Alleged: Charged with felony bribery. Result: Case dismissed. REPRESENTATIVE EARL ELFERS 1966 Violation Alleged: Charged with assault and battery. Result: Charges dismissed. REPRESENTATIVE FRED SCHLEUTER 1963 Violation Alleged: Charged with drunk driving (OWI). Result: Convicted in February 1965 - case delayed due to legislative immunity. Fined $103. Defeated for re-election in November 1964. REPRESENTATIVE MARK CATLIN, JR. 1955 Violation Alleged: Charged by Board of State Bar Commissioners with violating "standards of professional conduct" by using personal influence and improperly accepting fees to secure the pardon or parole of inmates of the state prison. Result: Found guilty in November 1957. Fined $1,500 and disbarred by Wisconsin Supreme Court for six months. Defeated for re-election in September 1956 primary. REPRESENTATIVE CECIL BROWN, JR. 1956 Violation Alleged: Charged with larceny - accused of taking $75 insurance policy payment. Result: Case dismissed when witness failed to appear. REPRESENTATIVE HAROLD GADE 1952 Violation Alleged: Charged with six counts of embezzling a total of over $36,000 entrusted to him as treasurer of a credit union. Result: Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to concurrent one-to-five year prison terms on each count. Resigned seat the week prior to conviction. SENATOR EVERETT LAFOND 1948 Violation Alleged: Charged with obstructing and resisting conservation wardens in the performance of their duties. Result: Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to fine of $100 or 30 days in jail. REPRESENTATIVE FRANK SCHAEFFER, JR. 1946 Violation Alleged: Charged with violating corrupt practices act. Result: Charges dismissed. SENATOR JAMES CARROLL 1942 Violation Alleged: Charged with assault and battery while attempting to evict squatter and destroying personal property (household furniture). Result: Convicted on both counts. Fined $50 and court costs or 30 days in jail on first count and fine of $5 or 5 days in jail on second count.