UPDATED Tuesday, January 22, 2013 --- 11:09 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A close associate of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has been sentenced to two years in prison after he was convicted of felony theft.

A judge on Tuesday also ordered Timothy D. Russell to serve five years of extended supervision. The 49-year-old pleaded guilty in November to stealing more than $20,000 from a nonprofit group.

Before sentencing Russell apologized and said he took responsibility for his actions.

Defense attorney Parker Mathers had requested a sentence of three years' probation, noting his client's lack of a criminal history.

Russell was one of six people charged in a secret investigation of Milwaukee County executive's office back when Walker held that office. Russell and four others have been convicted. The trial for the sixth begins later this month.

Walker has not been charged with wrongdoing.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press

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UPDATED: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 --- 8:35 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A close associate of Gov. Scott Walker is due to be sentenced after he was convicted of felony theft.

Timothy D. Russell pleaded guilty in November to stealing more than $20,000 from a nonprofit group. The 49-year-old is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday morning.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. But as part of a plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of two years. Defense attorney Parker Mathers has said he'll request a sentence of probation only.

Russell was one of six people charged in a secret investigation of Milwaukee County executive's office back when Walker held that office. Russell and four others have been convicted. The trial for the sixth begins later this month.

Walker has not been charged with wrongdoing.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press

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UPDATED: Thursday, November 29, 2012 -- 7:55 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- One of Gov. Scott Walker's former aides is set to enter a plea deal to settle an embezzlement case.

Tim Russell worked on and off for Walker between 2002 and 2010 during Walker's stint as Milwaukee County executive. Prosecutors charged Russell in January with stealing at least $21,000 from a nonprofit group Walker asked him to lead and stealing money from two county board candidates' campaign funds.

He's scheduled to appear at a plea hearing in Milwaukee on Thursday afternoon.

The charges against Russell were part of a secret probe prosecutors launched into Walker's associates and campaign donors in May 2010, before he became governor. Three former aides and a Walker campaign donor have been convicted so far.

The governor himself hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press

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UPDATED Monday, January 23, 2012 --- 11:00 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A close associate of Gov. Scott Walker charged in a John Doe investigation will stand trial on embezzlement charges.

Tim Russell faces two felonies and one misdemeanor in Milwaukee County. It's related to his alleged stealing of more than $21,000 in money from a nonprofit that Walker asked him to head.

The 48-year-old held various positions under Walker when he was Milwaukee County Executive between 2002 and 2010, including his deputy chief of staff.

Also charged is Kevin Kavanaugh, another former Walker appointee who's pleaded not guilty to theft and fraud.

Russell's domestic partner, Brian Pierick, faces child enticement charges. Prosecutors say they found that evidence while looking through Russell's phones and computers.

Russell was bound over for trial during a preliminary hearing Monday. An arraignment is Feb. 16.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.

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Posted Monday, January 23, 2012 --- 6:35 a.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A close associate of Gov. Scott Walker charged in a John Doe investigation has a preliminary hearing on embezzlement charges.

Tim Russell faces two felonies and one misdemeanor in Milwaukee County. It's related to his alleged stealing of more than $21,000 in money from a nonprofit that Walker asked him to head.

The 48-year-old held various positions under Walker when he was Milwaukee County Executive between 2002 and 2010, including his deputy chief of staff.

Also charged is Kevin Kavanaugh, another former Walker appointee who's pleaded not guilty to theft and fraud.

Russell's domestic partner, Brian Pierick, faces child enticement charges. Prosecutors say they found that evidence while looking through Russell's phones and computers. Pierick has a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Russell's hearing Monday will determine if he will stand trial.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.