On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, WISN 12 NEWS reported that a Milwaukee County judge, Michelle Havas, has recused herself from presiding over the case involving Travis Schwantes, a former public defender who is facing multiple charges, including soliciting and patronizing prostitutes and misconduct in public office. The case has garnered significant attention, particularly as it involves not only Schwantes but also several others, including a retired judge and a former Milwaukee firefighter, all charged with related misdemeanors.
Judge Havas made her decision during a recent court hearing, stating that her involvement in the case could present potential conflicts of interest due to prior connections with Schwantes’ former workplace. In her remarks, Havas noted, “I did not initially believe that this was necessary when the case was assigned to me, despite the defendant having appeared in front of me. However, recent filings have triggered concerns that ongoing relationships with the defendant’s prior place of employment may be impacted by any currently sitting Milwaukee County Judge presiding over this case.”
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation. Janine Geske, a former justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, commented on the recusal, indicating that Havas’s decision was prudent, considering the circumstances. She explained that judges have the discretion to remove themselves from cases when they perceive a conflict of interest, adding that such decisions are made on an individual basis.
Following Judge Havas’s recusal, Chief Judge Carl Ashley has been informed of the situation and is tasked with reassigning the case to another judge. Havas has filed her reasons for the recusal with Judge Ashley and has scheduled a status hearing for May 1, where a new judge will be appointed to take over the case.
Schwantes is scheduled to return to court on the same date, May 1. In response to inquiries about the reassignment process, Chief Judge Ashley indicated that a decision regarding the presiding judge could be made on that date or potentially sooner, but he refrained from providing further details on the matter.
Schwantes’s defense attorney, Joseph Bugni, chose not to comment on the recusal decision, while the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office stated that they did not request a special prosecutor, asserting that they do not believe any conflicts of interest exist in the case.
Source: WISN 12 NEWS
