From WBAY May 15
Two Winnebago County judges have notified state investigators about
their concerns over the allegations in the district attorney's office. Judge
Robert Haase and Judge Barbara Hart Key have sent their concerns to
the Office of Lawyer Regulation in Madison.
Judge Haase told reporters he is now paying far closer attention to
cases from the D.A.'s office. He said it's a question of credibility and the
D.A's office's ability to serve the county.
Judge Haase has served Winnebago County for more than 20 years. He
says the relationship between a judge and district attorney is a matter
of professional trust.
With a caseload of 30 to 60 every day, he has to take the D.A. at his
word. "We rely on statements made to us by the prosecuting attorney,"
the judge said. "Someone's a district attorney, you trust what they tell
you until it's been proven wrong."
But with recent allegations that attorneys in the D.A.'s office may be
involved in possible bribes, his trust has begun to change.
"I have doubts about some information that I'm getting from people in
the district attorney's office."
It was in evidence Tuesday in the case of the State v. Carlos
Hernandez. Assistant D.A. Milt Schierland was involved in a routine plea
negotiation.
"And I said, 'I am not going to accept this. I want to hear from the officer
involved because I have reasons to suspect the credibility of Mr.
Schierland," the judge told us.
Joe Hildebrand worked in the Winnebago County District Attorney's
office years ago. He is now in private practice. "We were aware of stuff
going on like this for a long time," he said.
Hildebrand said Paulus's preferential treatment of some defense
attorneys is well-known. "It's common knowledge among the practicing
members of the defense bar in Winnebago County that certain
attorneys have access to Mr. Paulus."
District Attorney Joe Paulus has denied allegations against him. He was
out of his office Wednesday and unavailable for comment.
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