Patrick Knight, the attorney representing Jim Schmitt says the Green Bay Mayor will not resign in light of misdemeanor charges of breaking campaign finance laws. "Mayor Schmitt intends to fufill his obligations and complete his term as Mayor of Green Bay," an email reads. "I anticipate these misdemeanor cases being resolved on October 5th."
Court records shows show Outagamie County judge Mitchell Metropulos will hear the criminal case against Mayor Schmitt.
According to the special prosecutor handling the case, Mayor Schmitt plans to plead guilty. In turn, Milwaukee County's D.A. Bruce Landgraf says he won't recommend jail time or probation.
Watch: Mayor Jim Schmitt accused of breaking campaign finance laws
In addition, Mayor Schmitt has also dissolved his campaign committee (Friends of Jim Schmitt), and forfeited more than $26,000 in campaign funds to the state School Fund.
The 18-page criminal complaint claims Mayor Schmitt and his campaign accepted individual contributions exceeding the $1,040 limit. In one case the complaint alleges a $5,000 check from one donor was recorded in a finance report as five $1,000 donations divided among the donor's family.
Prosecutors say the donor's bank account reflects a single $5,000 donation.
In January 2015, city aldermen Guy Zima, Chris Wery, and Andy Nicholson requested a probe into Mayor Schmitt's campaign finances, pointing to thousands of dollars in improper contributions.
The first court date is set for October 5 at 1:30 PM.
