Wisconsin judge rejects Timothy Russell's claim

MILWAUKEE, July 12 (UPI) -- A judge rejected a claim by Timothy Russell, former aide to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, that prosecutors took steps to stall his theft case defense.

Russell was charged in March with stealing about $20,000 from a veterans' picnic called Operation Freedom, which he sponsored while serving as Milwaukee County Executive, and stealing smaller sums from two Milwaukee County Board members, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday.

Circuit Judge David Hansher said Wednesday he found no merit in claims that prosecutors withheld material seized in raids on Russell's home, subjected Russell to a prejudicial "perp walk" or stalled progress in the case.