Illegal Donations

One of Gov. Jim Doyle's biggest campaign contributors was indicted on federal charges that he illegally funneled $100,000 in donations through a business entity and family members.

Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha is charged with fraud and making a false statement to the FBI. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000 if convicted.

Until last week, Troha had been pushing for a casino in Kenosha that needs Doyle's approval. Both Doyle and Troha denied the donations had to do with the casino proposal.

But on Feb. 23, Troha removed himself from the project, saying he wanted to devote himself to other issues. His share is being taken over by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, which is working to build the casino with the Menominee Tribe in Wisconsin.

Between 2002 and 2006, Troha and 12 family members gave $200,000 directly to Doyle's campaign. Troha and his relatives gave an additional $265,000 to the Democratic Governors Association, the federal account for the Wisconsin Democratic Party and Doyle's two inaugural balls.

State law limits any individual to $10,000 in donations for state and local races, which include the governor's race.