State Senator jesse james’ daughter, 31-year-old Elizabeth Johnson, has been charged with taking $32, 000 from his campaign, court and police records show. Charges were filed Monday in Eau Claire County and include theft in a business setting plus three felony counts of intentionally filing false campaign finance reports. The criminal complaint lists transactions beginning January 30, 2024 (ET) and ending September 12, 2024 (ET), and notes a repayment on December 9, 2024 (ET).
Jesse James’ Campaign Allegations
The complaint identifies Elizabeth Johnson as the campaign treasurer and alleges she withdrew campaign funds beginning January 30, 2024 (ET) with the last withdrawal on September 12, 2024 (ET). The total amount at issue is $32, 000. The complaint further alleges that the withdrawals and related expenses were not properly reflected in campaign finance filings at the time; those omissions form the basis for the three felony counts of intentionally filing false campaign finance reports.
Immediate reactions and records
In an interview with Altoona Police, Elizabeth Johnson admitted taking the money to cover expenses connected to a small business she and her husband ran. Johnson, listed in the complaint as campaign treasurer, said, “I had higher rent after moving into a larger space at Oakwood Mall. ” The criminal complaint states that “the withdrawals and other expenses were not properly reflected in campaign finance filings at the time. “
Senator Jesse James is identified in public records as the State Senator for the 23rd Senate district, which includes Barron, Clark, Price, Rusk and Taylor counties and portions of Chippewa, Dunn and Marathon counties. The complaint notes the campaign was later repaid on December 9, 2024 (ET).
What’s next
Charges filed in county court move the matter into the judicial process; if convicted on the theft charge alone, Elizabeth Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a $25, 000 fine as set out in the complaint. The criminal case will proceed under the formal charge roster listed in the complaint, and any hearings or filings will be entered on the court docket. Observers will watch for arraignment and subsequent court dates that will define how investigators and prosecutors advance the case against Johnson.
For the senator and for jesse james personally, the unfolding court proceedings and any campaign finance filings that follow will be the next developments to monitor closely.
