Contact: Rep. Rob Summerfield
(608) 266-1194
MADISON- Yesterday, the Wisconsin State Assembly approved an amendment to Senate Bill 54 that would add almost 54 additional Assistant District Attorney positions throughout Wisconsin. This includes three ADA positions for Chippewa and Dunn Counties, who have been and are currently short-staffed.
“An increase in meth usage and other crimes, coupled with our overworked and understaffed DAs, has caused a backlog of cases in our area,” said Rep. Summerfield. “With an adequate amount of prosecutors, I’m hopeful we can address this problem quickly.”
In 2017, there were a record number of felony cases filed in Chippewa County.
“With the meth epidemic in Chippewa County, I appreciate everything Representative Summerfield and the legislature can do to provide us the tools we need to combat this,” stated Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell.
In 2016, the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office had a record-breaking year as well; with over 3,500 cases and referrals.
“This is extremely exciting news for the residents of Dunn County,” praised Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf. “We had more prosecutors in 2002 than we do now. With these additional positions, we’ll be able to give each case the attention it deserves. I’m appreciative of Representative Summerfield’s support on this.”
SB 54, as amended, now goes to the Senate for their concurrence.
