Former Milwaukee Alderman Charged With Wire Fraud

United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a former Milwaukee alderman, Willie C. Wade (age: 56), with three counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Wade obtained $30,000 in cash from a cooperating individual by falsely claiming that he was negotiating on behalf of a current Milwaukee alderman to accept a bribe in exchange for a vote in favor of approving licenses for a downtown strip club. According to the indictment, the alderman was not aware of Wade’s representations and had never offered or agreed to accept any bribe.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any prison term. 

In announcing the charges, United States Attorney Krueger specifically commended the hard work and dedication of the Milwaukee Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during the investigation of this matter.

The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

            This case was investigated by the FBI and has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Richard G. Frohling and Paul L. Kanter for prosecution.