New judge assigned to case of former Walker aide

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A new judge has been assigned to the case of Timothy D. Russell, a former aide to Gov. Scott Walker when Walker was the Milwaukee County executive.

Judge David Hansher

The 48-year-old Russell is accused of stealing more than $21,000 from a nonprofit organization that Walker asked him to lead.

Russell’s defense attorney requested a new judge in Milwaukee County court. That request was granted Thursday, and the case initially reassigned to Judge J.D. Watt. Watt reviewed the case for an hour and announced he was recusing himself.

So the case will now be heard by Judge David Hansher. An arraignment has been set for Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Russell’s defense attorney, Mike Maistelman, declined to say why he requested a new judge, saying he doesn’t want to reveal his defense strategy.