Wisconsin AG’s Lab Leaders’ Firm Wins $777K Contract
Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul faces questions over his officials’ outside consulting work and its impact on state crime labs.
2 min read
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul faces scrutiny over the outside consulting work of two senior officials in his state’s crime labs. The issue centers on a $777,044 contract awarded to a firm co-founded by Nicole Roehm and Jennifer Naugle, administrators of Wisconsin’s Division of Forensic Sciences.
Contract and External Work
The firm, Forward Resolutions LLC, was established in 2024 and secured the contract to evaluate the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s forensic operations following a major DNA testing scandal. The agreement, signed in November 2024, included more than $56,000 for travel and led to a 91-page report with 52 recommendations.
State Rules and Accountability
Wisconsin has rules requiring state agencies to establish guidelines for outside employment and ensure conflicts of interest are avoided. The law permits outside work that does not interfere with official duties, but it also forbids using public positions for private gain. The question remains: Did Roehm and Naugle obtain the necessary approvals for their involvement with Forward Resolutions LLC?
Lab Performance and Delays
Wisconsin’s own crime labs have faced challenges, including a 4.7% drop in cases processed in 2024 compared to 2023. Average DNA turnaround times increased from 108 to 129 days, while toxicology turnaround times rose from 64 to 82 days. Despite these delays, the state continues to face staffing shortages and growing case complexity.
Public Accountability and Transparency
Questions remain about how much time the officials spent on the outside work and whether their focus should have been solely on Wisconsin’s crime labs. The contract is documented, but the details of the decision allowing their dual roles remain unclear. The attorney general’s office is expected to provide transparency on the approvals and safeguards in place.
As Kaul seeks another term, the public awaits clear answers about the oversight and accountability mechanisms that ensure public officials act in the best interest of their constituents.
Source: PJ Media
