DAs not covered by secrecy law

MADISON (AP) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says a law that prevents Wisconsin's government watchdog agency from discussing investigations does not extend to district attorneys.

In an opinion released Monday, Van Hollen said local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are not bound by secrecy in investigations involving potential elections, ethics and lobbying law violations.

Van Hollen said the secrecy law only applies to staff members of the Government Accountability Board, which was created by lawmakers two years ago to investigate corruption.

The law says GAB employees who release information about ongoing investigations could be prosecuted and punished by up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.