Judge may face investigation into remarks to witnesses in trial
She reportedly told witnesses they didn't have to testify unless they were paid
NWI Times
Aug 14, 2003
nwitimes.com/news/local/judge-may-face-investigation-into-remarks-to-witnesses-in-trial/article_0e77a4aa-6e2f-58ac-af83-9096d23dd590.html
CROWN POINT -- Lake Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell may have to answer for off-the-bench remarks she made last month to witnesses in the East Chicago mayoral recount controversy.
Special Superior Court Judge Steven King announced Wednesday in his decision in the recount suit that he has filed a complaint against Cantrell, alleging she may have committed a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Cantrell declined comment Wednesday on the issue.
Complaints against judges are investigated by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications.
King presided over eight and a half days of testimony by 165 witnesses before ruling Wednesday that despite widespread vote fraud East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick prevailed over his challenger George Pabey in the recount.
King notes at the end of his 104-page ruling that he was informed during the July 22 hearing by court personnel that Cantrell was mingling with other witnesses in the hallway outside his courtroom. She is the daughter of Robert Cantrell, former East Chicago Republican chairman and a witness in the recount suit.
King said he was told Cantrell indicated to witnesses they didn't have to testify unless they had been paid $20 witness fees by the lawyers who subpoenaed them to be there.
King said he later saw newspaper reports July 23 and July 28 in which Cantrell admitted she had made the statement about witnesses not having to testify.
Lawyers for Pabey have argued there was a concerted effort by Pastrick's supporters to cover up their investigation of vote fraud by influencing witnesses.
King said he also has sent evidence to the prosecutor of three Pastrick campaign workers who tried to influence witnesses called by Pabey.
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