Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm says he will not seek re-election.
He's one of the two longest standing DA's in Milwaukee County's History, and it's not an appointed position. Voters across the county have consistently voted to have Chisholm fight crime in the city for the last four election cycles.
It's a run, one of Chisholm's closest colleagues said should be celebrated.
"In my experience with John, working under him, trained by him as an assistant DA, is that he was truly a public servant," Derek Mosley said.
Former Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Mosley told TMJ4 Chisholm's announcement to not seek re-election in 2024 was unexpected.
"He's a consummate prosecutor. He cares about the community, he cares about the victims, he cares about the rights of the defendants. And yeah, it really shocked me when I saw it come across the wire," Mosley explained.
"I've been a friend of John's since day one," Attorney Michael Maistelman said. "I've dealt with him as a friend, as an adviser and representing criminals. He does not agree with my position a lot when it comes to representing criminals but he's always forthright. He's an extremely ethical man and you know that the county is going to sorely miss him once he retires."
Chisholm has held the office since 2007. Before that, he served as supervising attorney for the Firearms Enforcement Unit. He also served as assistant district for Milwaukee County from 1994 to 1999.
In a press release, Chisholm said that the DA's office remains committed to its mission of carrying out justice.
"I am honored to have served our community by pursuing justice alongside the finest prosecutors, investigators, victim/witness advocates, and clerical specialists in our profession," Chisholm said. "Since I was first elected... I have been clear that the District Attorney's Office is here to serve the people of this community in a fair and just way that promotes safety."
Chisholm was born in Milwaukee and attended Marquette University High School as well as Marquette University. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant while serving in the Army.
In 1994, he was hired as an assistant DA for Milwaukee County under his predecessor E. Michael McCann.
Chisholm took over as DA in 2006, carrying McCann's legacy of having prosecutors readily available to the entire community.
"DA's are normally at the courthouse, right, and they stay at the courthouse, do their cases, and go home at the end of the day. John was a big proponent of putting prosecutors out in the community so they became part of the community. It changes the whole dynamic of something," Mosley said.
He was also known as a progressive District Attorney. Maistelman highlights the work Chisholm did in advancing reformative justice and bail.
"He was really the godfather of this kind of reform before it was popular around the country," Maistelman said. "People that get arrested and they need help themselves and but they're not a risk to other people. John will try to divert them to try to get them the help they need."
Though, Chisholm was no stranger to scrutiny. He admitted his office screwed up with Darrell Brooks, the man who killed six and injured dozens more after driving through the Waukesha Christmas Parade. Chisholm says his office set an "inappropriately low" bail for a case Brooks was facing in Milwaukee County. Brooks paid that bail and was released just five days before the parade. But there were other decisions by Chisholm that struck a chord for one woman in Milwaukee.
"Kudos to him leaving," Maria Hamilton said.
Maria Hamilton's son, Dontre Hamilton, was killed by Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney in 2014. Chisholm's office declared the use of force was self-defense and declined to file charges against Manney.
But Hamilton says, her family is one of many with this kind of story tied to DA Chisholm.
"There are several families who I can genuinely say, we never had an outlet working with the DA or representing us or this community when it comes to police violence and terror in this city," Hamilton said.
Hamilton points to two cases. Corey Stingley, a 16-year-old pinned to the ground by 3 customers at a convenience store after shoplifting died of asphyxia in 2012. No one was charged.
A year before that, Derek Williams died in the back of a squad car gasping for air in 2011. Again, the District Attorney's Office declined to file charges.
She says these cases are further proof that DA Chisholm did not do enough to hold people accountable. Even as recently as 2022, she's critical of the handling of another officer-involved death; Keishon Thomas. Thomas overdosed in a cell after ingesting drugs that police didn't find on him after he was arrested. Two officers were charged in connection to his death. One of those officers changed his plea Friday, to no contest. He will face a conviction from a judge but Hamilton feels like the way the system works, it won't be true justice.
"Why would they offer him a plea, period?" Hamilton said. "That family should have had their day in court but once again, the DA's Office take the low ball role where the police won't have to be held accountable."
Additionally, she feels the office has been too soft on crime. In 2022, Chisholm's office issued charges in 39.7 percent of all felony referrals. That's down from 45.9 percent in 2015. Misdemeanor charges face a similar trend, dropping from 50.5 percent in 2015 to 34.4 percent in 2022.
"We need people, lawyers who are dedicated to being tough on crime," Hamilton said. "We have a crime problem in the city. Yes, [Chisholm] is progressive but he's not progressive for Milwaukee."
Decisions like these are ones that won't make everyone happy, according to Maistelman. But he stands by how Chisholm handled the county for 18 years.
"People that need help that get arrested and are not a harm to society, John wants to try and give them a second chance to help them out," Maistelman said. "Likewise, people that do bad things and get arrested who are a harm to society or a risk to society, John will throw them in prison, rightly so. He's been good for the county. He's a good human being and he's going to be sorely missed."
In a press release, Chisholm said it was time for him to move on.
"It's time for me to pursue new endeavors, and for the people of Milwaukee County to choose a new District Attorney to continue the work of ensuring a safe, just, and prosperous community for all," Chisholm continued. "As I complete my term, I will work closely with Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern and our leadership team to ensure the continuity of all District Attorney's Office operations," he said.
Chisholm's current term will end on January 6th, 2025.
Some agencies and leaders across the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County have reacted to this news, responses are below:
Milwaukee Police Department
"The Milwaukee Police Department is grateful for District Attorney John Chisholm’s many years of service to this community. We wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."
Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley
"Thank you to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm for his decades of service to our community. Over the years, District Attorney Chisholm has worked tirelessly to pursue justice and promote public safety for those we serve. I wish him all the best in the future."
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