Judge Scott Woldt speaks during a case Sept. 15, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Winnebago County Judge Scott Woldt says the misconduct allegations against him aren’t specific enough, and he has asked the state for a more detailed account of the claims.
The Wisconsin Judicial Commission filed nine counts against him. The complaint details interactions the judge had with a media member where he called himself a ‘sanitational engineer’ for dealing with ‘society’s garbage’”, post-election confrontations with local attorneys who did not support his re-election campaign, and exchange in court with a witness who apparently did not rise at the start of hearing. All of the incidents were in 2023.
Although Judge Woldt’s attorney previously provided a statement denying the allegations, the filing late Monday was the first formal response in the case.
In it, attorney Terry Johnson asks for more details.
“Here, clarification is warranted because the Commission seeks findings of specific willful misconduct while leaving Judge Woldt uncertain as to the identity of certain participants and, more importantly, the precise conduct alleged to establish each violation,” the reply states.
It criticizes the complaint for its use of initials of those involved in the allegations.
Therefore, while Judge Woldt may be able to determine by surmise, guessing or speculation as who these individuals are, he needs to be certain so that he can accurately admit, deny, or otherwise respond to the allegations concerning particular conversations and interactions. Otherwise. Judge Woldt is at a significant risk of responding inaccurately. In addition, we seen no need for the coyness of the complaint. Why are the identities of the several claimed witnesses shielded? If, as the complaint would suggest, their knowledge is central to the claims against Judge Woldt, will they not be required to testify at a public hearing on the claims asserted? There is no reason for Judge Woldt to be subjected to even the slightest of uncertainty about the allegations against him or the witnesses supposedly supporting them given the need of those witnesses to testify,” the reply states.
The response also does not contain any specific denials to the charges.
“Judge Woldt cannot meaningfully admit or deny any alleged willful violation without knowing what specific conduct the Commission contends constitutes that violation,” it states.
A hearing may be held before a recommendation is made to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which has the final say on any possible discipline. Nothing has been scheduled, however.
This isn’t the first time Judge Woldt has faced a disciplinary hearing. In 2021, Woldt was suspended for seven days for conduct violations.
Woldt was appointed to the bench in 2004, and was re-elected in 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2023.
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