June 18, 2021
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Appoints Commissioner Regarding Eau Claire County District Attorney Charges
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced he has appointed a commissioner regarding charges brought against the Eau Claire County District Attorney.

Under Wisconsin State Statutes, Chapter 17, the governor can remove a district attorney “for cause” if he receives “written verified charges brought by a resident taxpayer” of a county. Upon receipt of charges, the governor can choose to appoint a commissioner to conduct a hearing on the charges, make an investigation, and report testimony and proceedings.

On June 3, 2021, Gov. Evers received written, verified charges from a county taxpayer against Eau Claire County District Attorney Gary King. Having received such a charge, the governor has exercised the option provided for under Wisconsin law to appoint William Ramsey who will conduct the investigation and hearing. Ramsey will schedule a date for the public hearing after conferring with the relevant parties. After the hearing occurs, Ramsey will report his findings to the governor who will then make a determination as to whether there is just cause to remove King from office.

Ramsey is a career civil servant and is deputy chief legal counsel at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

 
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