State public defender accused of crimes relating to prostitution [Video]

A state public defender is accused of breaking the law he swore to uphold. Prosecutors charged Attorney Travis Schwantes, 54, with crimes relating to prostitution and abusing his public office. He faces two felony charges, soliciting prostitutes and making false representation to qualify for assignment of counsel, and two misdemeanor charges, solicitation and patronizing prostitutes. Court documents detail a prostitution ring that included other people in the legal community, including a former judge, several lawyers and public safety workers, who the criminal complaint does not identify. Connecting all of the men is a prostitution hub of sorts on Milwaukee’s near west side. So far, Travis Schwantes is the only one charged. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office did not answer whether additional individuals could face charges. Schwantes is at the center of many high-profile cases in Wisconsin. He represented Stephen Zelich, a former West Allis cop convicted of killing two …