Five Men Charged in Connection with Milwaukee Prostitution Operation

Retired Judge and Firefighter Among Those Accused

Authorities have charged five men in relation to an alleged prostitution ring operating out of an apartment on Milwaukee’s near west side, marking significant developments in an ongoing investigation that recently implicated a former public defender.

Facing misdemeanor pandering-solicitation charges are George Easton, 76, of Pleasant Prairie; William Green, 59, of West Allis; David Ornstein, 50, of Milwaukee; Christopher Riegg, 55, of Greenfield; and Leroy Stewart, 53, of Racine. Court documents allege that these men paid for sexual services provided by sex workers at an apartment building near 29th Street and Kilbourn Avenue.

George Easton, a retired municipal judge from Pleasant Prairie, is accused of admitting to police that he paid a woman $200 per hour for prostitution services. David Ornstein, identified as a Milwaukee firefighter, allegedly engaged in multiple paid sexual encounters, including one just hours before his arrest in March.

Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski acknowledged the situation, stating that the department has launched an internal investigation. “We take these matters extremely seriously,” Lipski said.

Leroy Stewart, owner of Sunset Options Funerals and Cremation in Oak Creek, is accused of paying for sexual encounters both at the aforementioned apartment and at his funeral home. According to investigators, a sex worker provided this information, though Stewart told police he did not recall having sex with her at his business establishment.

Online records suggest that Christopher Riegg is involved in investment banking. The court documents allege that he paid for sex acts once a week from 2021 through 2023. William Green, listed as a lawyer affiliated with the Salvation Army, allegedly told police he sought companionship from a sex worker to “take a break from his wife.” Investigators reported that a sex worker provided his name and occupation.

These charges come shortly after former public defender Travis Schwantes was accused of falsifying documents to defend one of the sex workers he allegedly solicited. Schwantes resigned from the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office in September.

Attempts to reach the five men for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

The investigation gained momentum after a sex worker provided information to law enforcement, leading to these charges. This woman has since been convicted of keeping a place of prostitution. At her sentencing, her attorney argued that she was a victim of sex trafficking.

Each man faces a misdemeanor charge that carries a potential penalty of up to nine months in jail and a fine of $10,000 if convicted. They are scheduled to appear in court next month.

This case continues to shed light on issues of exploitation and illegal activities within the region, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and law enforcement efforts.