Daughter of State Senator accepts diversion agreement for campaign theft

The daughter of Wisconsin State Sen. Jesse James accepted a diversion agreement Tuesday in Eau Claire County court for stealing more than $32,000 from her father’s campaign account. 30-year-old Elizabeth Ann Johnson of Eau Claire, pleaded no contest to felony theft in a business setting and one count of intentionally filing false campaign finance reports. The judge withheld a finding of guilt and approved Johnson’s participation in a 3-year diversion program. Under the diversion agreement, Johnson can avoid a criminal conviction if she successfully completes the program requirements. Johnson made 13 unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling $32,000 from the “Friends of Jesse James” campaign account between January and September 2024 while serving as treasurer. James discovered the missing funds in November 2024. Johnson repaid the full amount in December 2024, and James reported the theft to police that month.