Trial Date Set for Hudson Woman Accused of Stealing More than $35,000

St. Croix District Court Judge Howard Cameron set a date for trial in the case against a Hudson woman charged with four felony counts of theft from a business setting, despite reassurances from prosecuting attorney Elizabeth Rohl a settlement was within reach. 

When asked the status of the case against Nichole Haugen, 29, at Wednesday's hearing, Rohl told Cameron a settlement was preferable to the State and that "the case is moving toward a resolution rather than a trial." 

from the Willow River Parent Group while working as its treasurer.

Cameron, however, appeared annoyed at the prosecutor's recommendation to delay any longer. 

"This case has been out there seven or eight months now and I've heard (about a probable resolution) several times before," Cameron told Rohl. "So let's set a trial date to keep things moving along. You can file your motion (for resolution) sometime before then." 

Any settlement of the case must come on or before a Feb. 23 motion hearing, after which the case will proceed with a jury trial against Haugen.

Cameron scheduled the trial for May 8 at 8:30 a.m. 

If convicted of the charges against her, Wisconsin statutory law says Haugen could spend as much as 36 years in prison and have to pay an $85,000 fine.

Both Haugen and her attorney Angela Olson declined comment after the hearing.