Third judge assigned to former City Attorney Tearman Spencer's case in a matter of hours

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee’s former city attorney was on the other side of the courtroom Tuesday morning after his case was assigned to a third judge in a matter of hours.

Sixty-eight-year-old Tearman Spencer was criminally charged in October with misconduct in office, a Class I felony, and obstructing an officer, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

He's accused of using his role as the city attorney to his personal advantage while in office.

A criminal complaint states Spencer used a now demolished building on N. MLK Jr. Drive to store a dozen cars. When the building owner was subjected to occupancy fees and other code violations, Spencer was alleged to have gotten involved.

The criminal complaint states Spencer also intimidated a Department of Neighborhood Services employee who was there to inspect the building.

Spencer was originally scheduled to appear in front of Judge Kristy Yang. His case was reassigned to Judge Danielle Shelton Tuesday morning.

Judge Shelton told CBS 58 she needed three days' prior notice to allow us to use cameras in her courtroom. So, we aren’t allowed to show you what happened in her courtroom — but here’s what was said.

Shelton recused herself from Spencer's case once court was in session. Campaign finance records indicate Spencer donated $250 to Shelton's campaign. Shelton, while recusing herself, also mentioned Spencer attended several of her campaign events.

The case was then reassigned to Judge Jorge Fragoso.

Tearman's case will be heard on Jan. 30.

He faces up to four years in prison and $20,000 in fines if convicted.