On Monday, November 25, 2024, WISN 12 News reported that George Easton, a retired municipal judge from Pleasant Prairie, has been charged in connection with a suspected prostitution ring operating in Milwaukee. The charges are part of a broader investigation that has recently implicated multiple individuals, including a public defender.
Easton, 76, is facing a misdemeanor pandering-solicitation charge after investigators revealed that he admitted to police paying a woman $200 per hour for sexual acts. According to court documents, the encounters took place at an apartment building located near 29th and Kilbourn in Milwaukee. This location has been identified as a base for sex workers involved in the alleged prostitution operation.
The investigation into the prostitution ring has expanded, with five additional men charged in recent days. Among them is Travis Schwantes, a public defender who has been accused of falsifying documents related to one of the sex workers he allegedly solicited. Schwantes resigned from his position in September amidst these serious allegations.
Milwaukee fire officials have confirmed that one of the charged individuals, David Ornstein, is a firefighter with the Milwaukee Fire Department. He is accused of having multiple paid sexual encounters, including one that occurred just hours before his arrest in March. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski stated that the department is conducting an internal investigation regarding these allegations, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
In addition to Easton and Ornstein, the other men charged include William Green, 59, a lawyer from West Allis; Christopher Riegg, 55, an investment banker from Greenfield; and Leroy Stewart, 53, who operates a funeral home in Oak Creek. Each of these men is similarly charged with solicitation-related offenses stemming from their interactions with sex workers at the same apartment location.
Court documents indicate that Green claimed he sought out companionship from the sex worker, stating it was a way to “take a break from his wife.” Meanwhile, Stewart reportedly denied recalling any sexual encounters at his funeral home, where a sex worker alleged he also paid for services.
The sex worker who provided information to law enforcement has since been charged and convicted for managing a place of prostitution. During her sentencing, her attorney asserted that she was a victim of sex trafficking.
All six men charged face misdemeanor charges that could result in fines up to $10,000 and possible prison sentences of up to nine months if convicted. They are scheduled to appear before a judge next month.
Source: WISN 12 News
