Donovan trial moves forward

Oct. 24, 2005 -- A federal judge last week rejected Ald. Robert Donovan's effort to have criminal charges against him dismissed.

"To reiterate, it is for the jury to decide whether Donovan's alleged failure to include his wife's receit of $2,700 from Milwaukee Alliance in his statement to City officials regarding his 'financial interest' in or 'financcial connections' to, Milwaukee Alliance resulted in his making, with intent to defraud, a material false statement to HUD," wrote U.S Magistrate Judge William E. Callahan.

Donovan is charged with one count of making a false statement to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Donovan allegedly gave information to City of Milwaukee officials which caused them to relay information to HUD officials in connection with a $200,000 block grant funded by HUD and approved for The Milwaukee Alliance, a non-profit organization stared by Donovan.

To read Callahan's decision, click here.