Milwaukee Alderwoman Chantia Lewis removed from office, convicted of 2 felony counts

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Former Milwaukee District 9 Alderwoman Chantia Lewis was officially removed from office Monday morning, July 18. 

She was in court for her plea hearing on five criminal charges of embezzlement and fraud. She pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office, and no contest to unlawful use of campaign funds. In exchange for her pleas, the state agreed to drop three other charges, including misconduct/Office-Act/Excess Authority, two theft charges, and a charge over her filing false reports and statements. 

Lewis' court appearance was not in person because she said she had COVID symptoms. She made the plea deal remotely after being accused of defrauding her campaign for U.S. Senate and stealing more than $21,000 from taxpayers. 

Lewis faces a maximum of $20,000 in fines and seven years in prison. The state is also requesting she pay restitution. 

As part of her no contest plea, Lewis had to forfeit her position as alderwoman. 

Her lawyer confirmed after Monday's hearing that effective immediately, she is no longer an employee of the city of Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released the following statement: 

“I believe in accountability for people who violate the law, and today’s guilty plea by Alderwoman Chantia Lewis is an important step forward in holding her accountable for her financial misdeeds.

“City officials hold a public trust, and every one of us has an obligation to the people of Milwaukee to operate with the highest level of integrity. I expect that of every member of my administration and of all my colleagues in elective office.”