Foti Expected To Change Plea In Corruption Scandal
Foti Was Once Second-Most Powerful Lawmaker In Assembly
Updated: 3:49 pm CST January 12, 2006
MADISON, Wis. -- Former state Rep. Steve Foti is expected to change his not guilty plea to corruption charges.Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard has sent an e-mail notification about a hearing on Friday for Foti to change his plea -- although it's not known what that plea will be.Once the No. 2 lawmaker in the state Assembly, Foti pleaded not guilty to a felony count of misconduct in office as a result of a state Capitol corruption investigation. Lawmakers were accused of using state employees to run their political campaigns.Foti's trial is scheduled to start next month.He's one of five lawmakers charged in 2002. Three lawmakers have already pleaded guilty to charges.Foti's attorney Franklyn Gimbel said that a sticking point in previous negotiations was Blanchard's desire to have Foti testify against Rep. Scott Jensen, also charged in the Capitol investigation.Former state Sens. Brian Burke and Chuck Chvala also agreed to deals with prosecutors and both were sentenced to jail time.Late last month, former Assistant Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Ladwig pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor ethics violation. Ladwig doesn't face jail time or probation, but will likely pay $4,500 in fines and restitution, WISC-TV reported.
Previous Stories:
- January 11, 2006: Blanchard Files Request In Burke Case
- January 9, 2006: DA Considering Motion Regarding Burke Case
- January 9, 2006: DA: Judge Wanted Burke In Jail
- January 6, 2006: Burke Checks In At Jail
- December 29, 2005: Former State Lawmaker Pleads Guilty
- December 16, 2005: Chvala Sentenced To Jail, Probation
- December 15, 2005: Chvala Sentenced To 9 Months In Jail
- December 15, 2005: Chvala To Be Sentenced Thursday Morning
- December 8, 2005: Chvala Asks For No Jail Time
- December 6, 2005: Prosecutors Ask For Jail Time For Chvala
- December 1, 2005: Burke Receives Jail Time, Ordered To Pay Restitution
- October 26, 2005: Chvala Pleads Guilty To Two Felony Counts
- October 25, 2005: Former Senator Pleads Guilty
- October 24, 2005: Former State Senator To Enter Plea
- October 6, 2005: Burke Makes Plea Deal
Copyright 2006 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
