Former Milwaukee city attorney testifies in misconduct trial

Former Milwaukee City Attorney Tearman Spencer told a jury he reached out to his staff to help answer questions concerning a building he recently sold but didn’t think doing so constituted breaking the law.

Spencer took the stand in his own defense on July 30, the fourth day of his criminal misconduct trial.

Prosecutors have alleged Spencer, 69, used his position as City Attorney for personal gain and to intimidate Department of Neighborhood Services personnel who tried to inspect 3030 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

Spencer testified he sold the building to businessman Mohammed Ghaffar before Spencer was elected City Attorney in April 2020. Part of the agreement was that Spencer would be allowed to continue to store a collection of old cars on the property that were intended to one day be restored.

The former city attorney and Assistant Attorney General Nicholas J. Heitman repeatedly sparred over Spencer’s sometimes shaky recollection of details of the arrangement.

Spencer testified Ghaffar told him an occupancy permit was needed for the vehicles. Spencer maintained he researched the matter and such a permit wasn’t necessary, and that he always intended to be in compliance with the city.

“So, what’s the big deal about me getting some information? You’re saying that there’s something wrong with that. I’m saying there’s not,” Spencer said to the prosecutor. “Anytime I had a question about any of these rules and regulations or what needed to be done, I’d inquire with the staff. That’s what I do.”

“… I needed the information. I needed clarification … and yes, my office needed clarification. I stand by that today, I stand by that tomorrow. You may not agree with that, though, sir, but that’s order of business.”

Spencer told the jury he didn’t “give a lot of credence” to repeated messages from Ghaffar, who had been receiving notices from inspectors, ordering Ghaffar to fix exit signs and to make other corrections.

Prosecutors charged Spencer in October 2024 with one felony count of misconduct in office and a misdemeanor for obstructing an officer.

His trial began July 27.

Spencer, who was voted out of office in 2024, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Heitman and William Sulton, the Milwaukee lawyer who is representing Spencer, rested their cases late in the afternoon.

Spencer also was charged in October 2025 with four felonies in a separate case in which he is accused of working with a partner to obtain a Milwaukee property improperly and then trying to flip it for a large profit. That case will be heard in Waukesha County.