MADISON, Wis. -- The man accused of stalking Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky will stand trial in late January.

Ryan Thornton, 37, pleaded guilty last month to one count of felony stalking. Jury selection in the case is set to begin on January 26, 2026, with a trial beginning the next day. The trial is expected to last three days.

Prosecutors allege Thornton sent Karofsky repeated emails over several months, with some emails containing insulting language and others asking for her home address.

Thornton was previously convicted of domestic abuse. He reportedly fired his attorney after his conviction and appealed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for an extension to rebut, but was denied.

Online records show Thornton remains housed at the Dane County Jail on an $85,000 ca

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