03292003 - News Article - Judge candidate disputes arrests' potential effects - Schererville's Godshalk says drinking and driving arrests should not bar him from the bench - ROBERT CANTRELL

Judge candidate disputes arrests' potential effects
Schererville's Godshalk says drinking and driving arrests should not bar him from the bench
NWI Times
Mar 29, 2003
nwitimes.com/news/local/judge-candidate-disputes-arrests-potential-effects/article_5ff0ed93-40b8-592d-853d-93da7088b046.html
SCHERERVILLE -- Attorney Randy A. Godshalk said he doesn't believe arrests for drinking and driving should disqualify a person from being a judge.

Godshalk, one of four Democrats running in the spring primary for town judge, was stopped August 2001 and charged with drunken driving. He was arrested again in January, but that didn't stop him one month later from filing his candidacy for municipal court here.

"I'm a human being like everyone else. There are actually sitting judges who have had DUIs," said Godshalk, who has his law offices in Hammond.

The background of judicial candidates became a public issue Thursday when members of the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission disclosed that one of the three finalists for a Lake Criminal Court judgeship, Salvador Vasquez, has three alcohol-related offenses in 1983 and 1987.

Godshalk, who recently moved to Schererville from Merrillville, is challenging incumbent Town Judge Deborah A. Riga, as are attorneys Kenneth L. Anderson and Benjamin W. Murphy.

He said his candidacy should be judged by his performance inside the courtroom where he has worked as a pro-tem or substitute judge.

"People are going to vote based on a person's qualifications. I have probably been pro-tem for more judges than half the lawyers in the county. I have been a pro-tem for juvenile court, four different Superior Court judges, felony court judges. I've been pro-tem for misdemeanor court judges. I was a referee in Hammond City Court for four years."

He has been in private practice since 1990 after graduating from Valparaiso University's law school. He is a native of Bristol, Ind., in Elkhart County.

Court records indicate Godshalk was arrested in the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2001, while driving eastbound on 45th Avenue in Highland and later charged with unsafe lane motion, speeding and driving while intoxicated. A breath test indicated his blood-alcohol concentration was 0.165 -- more than double the legal limit.

The Lake County prosecutor's office struck a deal with Godshalk to dismiss those counts in return for him pleading guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving.

He was fined $625 and completed eight group therapy sessions with the Lake County Addiction Counseling and Family Services, where a staff member noted Godshalk had been a cooperative subject who "gained an insight into his use of alcohol and the dangers of drunken driving."

Godshalk was arrested again the night of Jan. 28 at Broad Street and Manor Drive in Griffith for having failed to turn on his headlights, according to documents.

The arresting officer alleges in a court document Godshalk had watery eyes, a faint odor of alcohol and was slow in reciting the alphabet. He also submitted to a portable breath test that indicated his blood-alcohol concentration was 0.14.

Godshalk is pleading innocent to the charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Merrillville lawyer Paul Stracci, who represents Godshalk, argued earlier this month before pro-tem Superior Court Judge Kristina Kantar the police had no substantial evidence to charge Godshalk with drunken driving.

Stracci said the portable breath test is inadmissible as evidence, and that there was no other substantial evidence to support his client was intoxicated since he passed field sobriety tests of his client's coordination, which were limited because of snow on the ground.

The court has yet to rule on Stracci's motion to suppress the prosecution's evidence or restore Godshalk's driving privileges.

03162003 - News Article - Cvitkovich faces, answers critics - Scandal, Township Board chairman challenge North Township Trustee - ROBERT CANTRELL

Cvitkovich faces, answers critics
Scandal, Township Board chairman challenge North Township Trustee
NWI Times
Mar 16, 2003
nwitimes.com/news/state-and-regional/cvitkovich-faces-answers-critics/article_de6efe5d-4eea-517b-9fa5-03930459d38b.html
HAMMOND -- A Lake County grand jury investigation, rumors of federal probes and a challenge from within his advisory board have put North Township Trustee Gregory Cvitkovich on the defensive.

A County prosecutor's office subpoena for township records sat among the jumble of papers on Cvitkovich's ample desk last week as he explained that he won't tolerate efforts by critics to portray his office as a political playground. "What I have are disgruntled employees who are upset that I make them work," he said.

He said Friday he will cooperate with a county grand jury looking into allegations Robert Cantrell used his position as a township employee to recruit candidates to run in the May 6 primary election.

Cvitkovich said Friday Cantrell has retained a lawyer, but denies the allegations against him. Cvitkovich said he has trouble believing the accusations.

Frank Mrvan Jr., chairman of the three-member Township Board that controls the purse strings on the township's $7 million annual budget, said he intends to investigate the Cantrell matter himself.

Mrvan said he also hopes to put in place policies that prohibit township employees from political activity on township time and property.

"If the allegations are true, obviously the township needs to take measures. What we are going to do is put an emergency meeting together and make recommendations," Mrvan said.

Richard Novak, another new Township Board member, said, "It's under investigation and you really can't say for sure whether he's done it or not. As far as policy goes, I'm not sure if we have the right to do that, but we can bring it up at a meeting. I don't believe anyone should be getting paid if they are doing something else beside their own job."

Township Board member Peter Auksel said he supports Cvitkovich's administration and won't get involved in the Cantrell matter.

A source in the office said there also may be questions raised about why the township paid $27,500 last year to Peter Manous, who was Indiana Democratic chairman until his departure last month in the face of reports federal labor officials are probing his role in questionable land dealings at Porter County's Coffee Creek development.

Cvitkovich said the township contracted with Manous two years ago at a fee of $2,500 a month to recruit investors who would build a hotel and recreation center in the township's Wicker Park. Cvitkovich said it's his dream to generate enough revenues from a private/public venture to help alleviate the township's property tax burden.

Auksel said the contract to Manous was not a political favor, because Manous is qualified and has provided a legitimate service to explore the commercial possibilities at the park's Ridge Road and Indianapolis Boulevard corner. Cvitkovich said Manous has ended his association with the township since last month.

Novak said, "As Board Chairman I never want to see that happen. I want Wicker Park to remain a war memorial, a golf course and place for families to picnic. I don't want it used by private investor looking for a profit."

The political turmoil is unusual for the township. Auksel said Cvitkovich and the previous Township Board worked quietly and harmoniously during the previous four years.

Mrvan claims that cozy relationship bred the current scandal.

Cantrell 's position with the township became the subject of controversy last week about who injected the names of Woodrow Rancifer Jr., a poor relief recipient, and Dorothy Jeanne Johnson into the spring primary as Democrats running against incumbent East Chicago City Clerk Mary Morris Leonard.

Leonard filed a complaint with the Lake County Board of Election and Registration this month alleging the two were paid money by Cantrell to run.

An affidavit signed by Rancifer claims he met Cantrell Feb. 13 in a township office. He said Cantrell, who he had known for 20 years, was on duty, but called him into a private office where Johnson already was seated.

It alleges he gave the two candidacy applications and had them fill it out and promised to pay them both for the favor. It alleges Rancifer received an undisclosed amount of money.

He later recanted his candidacy, saying he knew nothing about the office for which he was supposed to be running. The County Election Board removed Rancifer and Johnson last week from the ballot, because they each have been convicted of a felony, making them ineligible to hold office.

Mrvan said he wants to know what Cantrell, who was East Chicago Republican chairman until his resignation last month, does for the township.

Cantrell couldn't be reached for comment. He was East Chicago Republican chairman until his resignation last month at the insistence of Republican activists who claim Cantrell was really a Democrat in disguise.

Cvitkovich said Friday he is complying with the prosecutor's investigation and will hand over time sheets showing Cantrell is working regular hours.

He said there are no other work records, because Cantrell isn't a poor relief investigator whose activities are tracked in weekly reports.

"He's a supervisor. He brings in people who are in need of township services. He knows the streets," Cantrell said.

Cvitkovich said he knows Cantrell has a reputation for being an activist. "He's a political animal," Cvitkovich said.

He said the township already has rules in place preventing the type of political activity being alleged. He issued a memo last summer that forbids employees from coercing township clients, accepting or giving money or personal gifts "to clients, vendors or anyone else."

Cvitkovich and Auksel both said they are concerned Mrvan is demanding public meetings to use as a forum to criticize the township operation.

Mrvan, who only took office in January, said he is calling for another meeting to discuss a situation he believes is out of control.

"(Cvitkovich) prides himself on running that place with an iron fist. He can't have it both ways," Mrvan said. "I'm trying to improve a place that is riddled with FBI, state police (investigations) and many things that have been going on there that need to change.

"By law, we can only make recommendations to Greg on what our thoughts are, but if he doesn't listen to our opinions, then the budget and salaries will reflect that. That is our leverage.

"It's an atrocity if someone allegedly came in asking for aid and this is what transpired. But, it's not that we want to persecute Mr. Cantrell. It's about the philosophy of what goes on at the township office."

03142003 - News Article - M.C. officer indicted on drug charges

M.C. officer indicted on drug charges 

South Bend Tribune (IN)
March 14, 2003

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13EA9A3EEA3BB4E0&p_docnum=185&p_queryname=8

SOUTH BEND -- Twenty-four years to the day since Donald Webb Sr. became a sworn Michigan City officer , a federal grand jury handed down a 17-count indictment against him, including charges of dealing cocaine and marijuana and extorting money from drug dealers. 

The alleged offenses occurred from 1998 to the present. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Webb at his Michigan City home Thursday morning. 

The U.S. attorney's office held a news conference Thursday afternoon in the federal courthouse in South Bend to announce the indictments, which were handed down Wednesday. 

The four most serious charges include conspiracy to distribute and distribution of marijuana and cocaine. Each of those counts carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $1,000,000 fine. 

Webb allegedly received shipments of marijuana from Mexico and El Paso, Texas, and used his position to obtain a better price for the marijuana. Webb allegedly also bought cocaine from an El Paso supplier. He is accused of distributing the drugs in and around Michigan City. 

According to the indictment, Webb was assigned to a drug task force in 1995. As part of his assignment, he obtained names of drug dealers and allegedly solicited money from them with the understanding that he would not arrest or pursue them. 

The indictment also states that Webb would provide drug traffickers with information on investigations, undercover officers and informants. 

"This is a sad day for me, as chief of police, my department and the community we serve. However, no one is above the law," Michigan City Police Chief Eugene Simmons said at the news conference. "We took a corrupt officer off the street today, and our community is a safer place." 

Up until his arrest, Webb was still working as an officer . His last day on the job was Tuesday; he was taken into custody at his apartment. Simmons said he suspended Webb on Thursday. 

"I can suspend an officer up to five days and recommend the termination of the officer to the Michigan City Civil Service Commission," Simmons said. 

Michigan City police began investigating Webb in the late 1990s after the department received many complaints about Webb 's activities. By 1999, the department turned the case over to the FBI. Indiana State Police assisted. 

Webb appeared before a federal magistrate Thursday in Hammond. The government requested that Webb be detained until his trial. A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in South Bend. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Schmid, who will try the case, indicated the case is strong, with many witnesses to support it. Yet, Schmid is hoping more people will come forward with information. 

"I have found some of the best information comes after the arrest," Schmid said. 

Anyone with information that could help the investigation into Webb 's alleged activities is urged to call Indiana State Police at (800) 552-8917 or (219) 696-6242. 

According to The Times of Northwest Indiana, another Michigan City officer , Detective Ricky Anderson, quit his job in July after news articles indicated he supplied Lake County Auditor Peter Benjamin with drugs in exchange for prostitutes. 

Anderson turned government witness, and Benjamin was indicted by federal officials in June. Anderson allegedly received drugs from another Michigan City officer , according to the Times. 

When asked late Thursday whether that officer was Webb , Michigan City assistant police chief John Hudson said, "As of right now, we are not aware of any connection." 

03132003 - News Article - Grand jury probes Cantrell playing politics on public dime - North Township served subpoena seeking work records - ROBERT CANTRELL

Grand jury probes Cantrell playing politics on public dime
North Township served subpoena seeking work records
NWI Times
Mar 13, 2003
nwitimes.com/news/local/grand-jury-probes-cantrell-playing-politics-on-public-dime/article_034e3769-82d2-5e39-8880-3f8ce085c4e4.html
HAMMOND -- A Lake County grand jury is investigating whether former East Chicago Republican Chairman Robert Cantrell was playing politics when he was supposed to be working for taxpayers.

North Township Trustee Greg Cvitkovich said Wednesday he has received a subpoena from the county prosecutor's office demanding he turn over Cantrell's work records by March 24.

The subpoena also seeks any township documents connected with Woodrow Rancifer Jr. and Dorothy Johnson, two poor relief recipients who claimed Cantrell recruited them to run in the spring Democratic primary.

The prosecutor's office declined comment Wednesday on the subpoena or investigation. Neither Cantrell, Rancifer nor Johnson could be reached Wednesday for comment.

Cvitkovich said he has spoken with Cantrell, who has hired a lawyer to represent him in the probe. Cvitkovich said he and the Township Board will discuss the subpoena their attorney.

Cantrell has been on the township payroll for more than a year as an investigator for its poor relief operation, which provides emergency food, shelter and medicine for indigent people awaiting eligibility to obtain welfare.

Rancifer claimed in a written statement to the Lake County Board of Election and Registration that he and Johnson were paid an undisclosed amount of cash by Cantrell to run as Democrats in the May 6 primary against incumbent East Chicago City Clerk Mary Morris Leonard.

Rancifer claimed Cantrell recruited him and Johnson Feb. 13 during a meeting at the Trustee's office during business hours.

The subpoena specifically demands Cantrell's time cards.

Cvitkovich said Cantrell is not a ghost employee and many on his staff are politically active.

"I've talked with my attorney on this and I don't think I can interfere with their right to be involved in politics as long as they do their job and put in the hours here," he said.

For more than two decades, Cantrell, as city Republican chairman, helped round up indigents from an infamous East Chicago flophouse to work as election officials at precinct polling places and bolster Cantrell's position in the party. He previously said he stopped eight years ago after the practice was exposed.

The Election Board voted Tuesday to remove Rancifer and Johnson from the ballot because they each have been convicted of a felony, making them ineligible to hold office.