John Chisolm
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm committed to continuing to serve the people of Milwaukee County in his recent announcement that he would be seeking a fourth term in office.
“When I first ran for District Attorney in 2006, I pledged to do everything in my power to keep Milwaukee safe and reform the way the criminal justice system responds to the deep challenges in our community,” said Chisholm. “I have kept that promise by focusing on removing violent offenders from the streets while also establishing a nationally recognized Community Prosecution program that works with our citizens directly in their neighborhoods to solve problems.”
“In ten years, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has led a steady transformation within our criminal justice system. Without the need of increased local taxes, Chisholm has made Milwaukee’s justice system more fair and effective for all residents of Milwaukee County,” said State Rep. Evan Goyke of Wisconsin’s 18th Assembly district.
Chisholm’s efforts have led to Milwaukee County receiving national praise and attention for innovative approaches to justice and prosecution alternatives. Milwaukee has often served as a model for other district attorneys’ offices throughout the country.
Under Chisholm’s bold leadership, Milwaukee established its first drug treatment court, which allows court supervised, comprehensive treatment for non-violent felony offenders or habitual misdemeanants.
After the 2007 shooting death of Maurice V. Pulley, Jr., a case that brought attention to witness bribery and tampering, Chisholm was prompted to start the Maurice V. Pulley, Jr. Witness Protection Unit in 2008.
The unit’s goal is to pursue and prosecute anyone who makes threats against witness. In June 2007, Pulley was involved in a parking dispute with Calvin A. Glover. Glover shot Maurice in the face, but Glover’s brother’s tried to bribe and threaten Pulley in exchange for not testifying against Glover.
Despite bribes of as much as $40,000, Pulley appeared in court and three days later, he was found gunned down outside his parents’ home in September 2007.
Another achievement to the credit of many leaders, and community groups, in partnership with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is the recent opening of the new Sojourner Family Peace Center. This facility model is the first of its kind in the nation to house holistic services for domestic violence victims. There is a level of multi-disciplinary professionals focused on advocacy for the victim: safety, quality of life, and resources.
In addition, DA Chisholm is making strides to address human trafficking concerns in Milwaukee County. Martha Love, co-founder of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee, said, “DA Chisholm is committed to ending the exploitation of vulnerable women and children through human trafficking. He has added prosecutors to his sensitive crimes team who focus on sex traffickers and has successfully prosecuted some of the worst offenders in the city.
DA Chisholm understands that exploited women should not be treated like criminals but like victims that deserve help and intervention.” “Milwaukee County faces both unprecedented challenges and great opportunities for growth,” continued Chisholm. “I have worked to keep this community safe while aggressively reforming our criminal justice system, but the jobs not done. We need to continue this groundbreaking work that’s making a real difference in every community across Milwaukee County and that’s why I am running for reelection as Milwaukee County District Attorney.” The primary election is August 9, 2016 and the general election is November 8, 2016.