MILWAUKEE -- We told you yesterday how Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny Thomas is now charged with two felony counts of accepting bribes and misconduct in public office and today, prosecutors were talking about the case they've built against Thomas.
“There is no entrapment here there is no reasonable explanation for taking 5-hundred dollars in cash under these circumstances,” said John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney.
The Milwaukee County DA addressing allegations over a payout allegedly taken by elected county board supervisor Johnny Thomas.
“Mr. Thomas took $500 in cash and the next day scheduled and voted on a matter related to a county contract,” said Chisholm
As Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, Thomas schedules contract bids to be taken up by the board.
A bid that had done well throughout the entire process was not being scheduled.
That was a red flag to the County Executive’s Office.
“When I talk to my das director and he mentioned he had some concerns I still didn't hesitate for a second to say by all means do what we have to do,” said Chris abele, Milwaukee County Executive.
The director Pat Farley called Thomas.
Thomas said he was concerned the company may quote a good price but once given the deal would go up.
By the end of the conversation Thomas agreed to meet with Farley at a Dunkin Donuts.
With Farley wearing a wire and an undercover DA investigator just feet away Thomas accepted $500 to schedule the bid.
“It allows sometimes one or not too many people to limit or control a process and get an outcome that sort of rigged,” said Abele.
There is one county board member calling for Thomas to be removed from his chairmanship as finance committee chair.
“I think the people of Milwaukee County are entitled to a presumption of integrity,” said Supervisor Joseph Rice, Milwaukee County Board.