A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit filed by a former aide to Governor Scott Walker, who claimed a 2011 raid by investigators on her home was part of an ongoing campaign of harassment against conservatives.
The lawsuit was brought by Cindy Archer, who was targeted by prosecutors during a John Doe investigation that was looking into illegal campaign activity in the Milwaukee County executive’s office when Walker held that position, prior to becoming governor. The investigation resulted in six convictions on charges that included illegal campaigning and embezzlement.
Archer was never charged and was later granted immunity. Walker was never charged with any wrongdoing before the investigation was closed.
In dismissing the lawsuit, Federal District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled that the case was a “textbook example” of why prosecutors are usually granted immunity for their actions, since lawsuits could make it harder for them to do their jobs. “If public officials are subjected to unwarranted litigation, they may shade their decisions and refrain from exercising independent judgment and taking action when they believe it is justified,” Adelman wrote.
The decision is expected to be appealed.