12252011 - News Article - Amanda Bach murder suspect's trial pushed back

Amanda Bach murder suspect's trial pushed back

WLS-TV Chicago, IL
December 25, 2011

abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/indiana&id=8479314

(WLS) -- The murder trial for a Northwest Indiana man has been pushed back seven months. 

Dustin McCowan is accused of killing 19-year old Amanda Bach of Portage. 

He was scheduled to go on trial January 30th, but now a judge has pushed it back to August. 

Bach disappeared one evening in September. Searchers found her body two days later. 

She died from a bullet wound to the neck. 

McCowan reportedly told police that Bach had been at his house earlier in the evening but that he did not know what happened to her after she left.

12162011 - News Article - Snyder continues to make administrative appointments in Portage

Snyder continues to make administrative appointments in Portage

NWI Times

Dec 16, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-continues-to-make-administrative-appointments-in-portage/article_80268b49-b790-5234-88c3-c97c88453c42.html

PORTAGE | Mayor-elect James Snyder continues to make appointments to his administration, announcing Friday the retention of two department heads and the return of two others.

Steve Charnetzky will return as street and sanitation department superintendent. Charnetzky served in the position for 16 years. He left the post in December 2007 after losing to Mayor Olga Velazquez in that year's May mayoral primary.

"Steve was there for 16 years and had done a good job. He has been most efficient in the role of superintendent," Snyder said about the appointment.

Charnetzky will replace street superintendent Chuck Haskell.

Also returning to the city will be Sherry Smolar as superintendent of the utility service department's billing office. Smolar served in that position under former Mayor Doug Olson. She is replacing Joan Sobczak.

"When she was at the water reclamation job, she did very good work," Snyder said of Smolar.

Snyder said he is retaining Utility Department Field Superintendent Bob Dixon and Fire Chief Tom Fieffer.

"I am very grateful to have all four of them agree to serve in my administration," Snyder said.

Snyder said no decisions have been made about police chief and parks department superintendent.

Previous appointments made by Snyder were A.J. Monroe as director of public works, Don Slawnikowski as utility department plant superintendent, Gregg Sobkowski as city attorney and Amanda Lakie as his administrative assistant.

12162011 - News Article - No jail for woman who tipped feds on mortgage fraud

No jail for woman who tipped feds on mortgage fraud

Post-Tribune (IN)
December 16, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13BAC248A3FB6D00&p_docnum=7&p_queryname=1

A Schererville woman won’t have to spend any time in jail after a federal prosecutor said she had helped the government indict local businessman Jerry Haymon and three other defendants in a mortgage fraud scheme. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell said information from Sarah Harris helped get Haymon to agree to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. 

“Jerry Haymon’s attorney literally called us up and said he’s pleading guilty” in response to information provided by Harris, Bell said. 

Harris pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count each of lying on a loan application and identity theft. Harris, who worked as a loan officer at Amerifund Lending Group in Lake County, worked with Haymon in 2008 to take part in a mortgage fraud scheme. Haymon had recruited someone to buy a property for tens of thousands of dollars more than it was worth, and Harris helped him to create false loan documents to fool the lender. Haymon pleaded guilty in a larger case to pocketing the extra cash by filing liens against the properties for work he never performed. He would then pay kickbacks to other conspirators. Haymon has admitted to taking almost $200,000 in his larger case. 

Three other people — former Gary reserve police officer Phillip Rucker, former Gary Community Development Director Jacquelyn Drago - Hunter and Sheila Chandler — were also charged in the case thanks to Harris’ help, Bell said. Rucker was recently convicted by a federal jury, Chandler has also pleaded guilty and Drago - Hunter has said in filings she is working on reaching an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty, although she is still under a plea of not guilty. 

The original federal sentencing guidelines called for Harris to face eight to 14 months in prison, but the government filed a sealed motion to trim her sentence because of how much she helped the government’s case. 

U.S. District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen said that although the mortgage fraud, which in Harris’ case resulted in the loss of $60,000 to two companies, is a serious crime, he also wanted to reward her for her help. 

“Ms. Harris, you made a good decision,” he said. 

Harris, a single mother of twin toddlers who is working as a kindergarten assistant, said she accepted full responsibility for her crime. 

“I just want to say that I’m sorry for what I did,” she said. 

Van Bokkelen sentenced her to one day in jail but gave her credit for time served, meaning she won’t serve any time. He did place her on supervised release for two years and ordered her to pay a fine of $66,000. 

12132011 - News Article - Judge strikes some complaints against Porter County Jail

Judge strikes some complaints against Porter County Jail

NWI Times
December 13, 2011 - 7:15 pm

nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/judge-strikes-some-complaints-against-porter-county-jail/article_34973e06-63a2-5dc8-b545-b3b7468edf08

HAMMOND - A federal judge has stricken the complaints — at least for now — of four Porter County Jail inmates who had filed a joint lawsuit against the jail, court records show.

Inmates Dustin McCowan, Jason Tabor, Corey Cardenas and Arthur Gutierrez were among nine who filed a federal lawsuit against the Porter County Jail in Hammond federal court.

The suit alleges the jail violated their constitutional rights when it denied them access to family visitation, phone privileges and time at the jail's law library.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen had the complaints of the four inmates stricken Tuesday, ruling they submitted vague complaints that do not demonstrate how their rights had been violated.

The Tuesday ruling followed a separate ruling Monday in which Van Bokkelen separated all defendants' complaints into nine separate lawsuits.

McCowan, Tabor, Cardenas and Gutierrez have until Jan. 16 to amend and refile their complaints, or their cases against the jail will be dismissed, according to Van Bokkelen's ruling.

Five other inmates involved in the original suit — Keelan Wright, Dustin DaVaney, Adam Massey, Joseph Ruwaldt and Charles Wade — still had separate pending cases against the jail Tuesday, court records show.

12082011 - News Article - Former reserve officer guilty in Gary mortgage scheme

Former reserve officer guilty in Gary mortgage scheme

Post-Tribune (IN)
December 8, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13B81CCA5436B690&p_docnum=8&p_queryname=1

A federal jury found a former Gary reserve police officer guilty on Wednesday of taking part in a mortgage fraud scheme that took in almost $200,000. 

The jury at the U.S. District Court in Hammond ruled that Phillip Rucker was guilty on one count of wire fraud, according to court records. 

Rucker’s trial lasted two days, with attorneys in the case presenting closing arguments Wednesday. 

Rucker was charged along with three other defendants — including Gary businessman Jerry Haymon and former Gary Community Development Director Jacquelyn Drago - Hunter — of filing fake construction liens against homes being sold and then lying about the sale price on closing documents so that they could pocket tens of thousands of dollars. 

Haymon and co-defendant Sheila Chandler have both pleaded guilty in the case. Drago - Hunter has said in recent court filings that she is working on reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors, but she is still under a plea of not guilty. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell said during opening arguments that Rucker recruited his girlfriend to buy one of the four houses in the scheme for about $40,000 more than it was worth. Haymon took that amount by placing the construction lien against the house for work he supposedly did to, Bell said, such as installing a new roof, wiring, floors, cabinets and dry wall. However, pictures of the house showed an interior that was dirty and dated with no evidence of any renovation work. 

Haymon then took that money, Bell said, cashed it in Chicago and got eight money orders worth $5,000 each. He then gave two money orders each to Rucker and his girlfriend, Bell said. 

Rucker’s attorney John Maksimovich argued that he got caught up by corrupt people and that he was just trying to help his girlfriend find a rental property to earn some more money. Rucker had no idea about the fraud scheme, Maksimovich said. 

The jury dismissed that argument, however, and sided with the government. Rucker will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which has not been set yet, according to court records.

12072011 - News Article - Portage Police Chief Becker resigns

Portage Police Chief Becker resigns

Post-Tribune (IN) 

December 7, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com

PORTAGE — City Police Chief Mark Becker will resign his post effective Dec. 17. Last week, Becker was informed by Mayor-elect Jim Snyder that he will not be considered for the position in Snyder’s administration.

On Nov. 28, Snyder informed Becker he was starting to interview candidates for the chief position and Becker would not be granted an interview.

Becker submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Olga Velazquez that will go into effect at midnight Dec. 17. Assistant Police Chief Larry Jolley will serve as interim chief for the rest of the year.

Becker became chief of police after 32 years at the FBI, including serving as an original member of the Gary Response Investigative Team.

In preparation for the selection of a new chief, Becker provided a summary of department activity over the past four years, including goals and accomplishments.

Becker thanked Velazquez for her leadership and for the opportunity to serve as chief.

“I thank you and those I worked with for all the support that I have received, and I wish the city of Portage continued success,” Becker said in a statement.

12072011 - News Article - Becker resigns top police post

Becker resigns top police post

NWI Times

Dec 7, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/becker-resigns-top-police-post/article_9b6ac157-5954-5cd9-ba8f-c94e71007fc5.html

PORTAGE | What likely would have been a routine City Council meeting Tuesday night gave way to farewells.

In a letter read by Mayor Olga Velazquez, Police Chief Mark Becker announced he would resign his post effective Dec. 17.

Becker told Velazquez in the letter that incoming Mayor James Snyder had informed him Nov. 28 that Becker would not be a candidate for police chief in Snyder's administration.

Becker, a former FBI agent, was out of town Tuesday and did not attend the meeting. Assistant Chief Larry Jolley was appointed interim chief effective Dec. 17.

Tuesday likely was the final council meeting for Velazquez, longtime City Council members Ed Gottschling and Richard Turnak and one-term councilman Steve Sonaty. Gottschling and Turnak were defeated in the May primary, and Sonaty was defeated last month in the general election.

"I want to thank the residents and citizens," Velazquez said. "We accomplished some great things."

Velazquez, who presented plaques to outgoing councilmen and outgoing Clerk-Treasurer Donna Pappas, said the job as mayor has been "extremely rewarding." Velazquez defeated Pappas in the May mayoral primary.

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix, who will not continue with the Snyder administration, also gave his goodbye.

"I'm really proud of what we've done and what this administration has done," he said.

Velazquez, who choked back tears, said, "I commend you for the dedication to this city. I thank you for the partnership. It has been wonderful."

Turnak, who served 20 years on the council, and Gottschling, who served 16 years, said their tenure and service to residents had been a privilege.

"Mayor Olga has done more for this city than we had done in a long, long time," said Turnak, adding he will be back.

"I may stop by once in a while because I'm a citizen now," he said.

12072011 - News Article - Becker resigns top police post

Becker resigns top police post
December 07, 2011 1:00 pm
NWI Times

By Joyce Russell http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/becker-resigns-top-police-post/article_9b6ac157-5954-5cd9-ba8f-c94e71007fc5.html

PORTAGE - What likely would have been a routine City Council meeting Tuesday night gave way to farewells.

In a letter read by Mayor Olga Velazquez, Police Chief Mark Becker announced he would resign his post effective Dec. 17. Becker told Velazquez in the letter that incoming Mayor James Snyder had informed him Nov. 28 that Becker would not be a candidate for police chief in Snyder's administration.

Becker, a former FBI agent, was out of town Tuesday and did not attend the meeting. Assistant Chief Larry Jolley was appointed interim chief effective Dec. 17.

Tuesday likely was the final council meeting for Velazquez, longtime City Council members Ed Gottschling and Richard Turnak and one-term councilman Steve Sonaty. Gottschling and Turnak were defeated in the May primary, and Sonaty was defeated last month in the general election.

"I want to thank the residents and citizens," Velazquez said. "We accomplished some great things."

Velazquez, who presented plaques to outgoing councilmen and outgoing Clerk-Treasurer Donna Pappas, said the job as mayor has been "extremely rewarding." Velazquez defeated Pappas in the May mayoral primary.

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix, who will not continue with the Snyder administration, also gave his goodbye.

"I'm really proud of what we've done and what this administration has done," he said.

Velazquez, who choked back tears, said, "I commend you for the dedication to this city. I thank you for the partnership. It has been wonderful."

Turnak, who served 20 years on the council, and Gottschling, who served 16 years, said their tenure and service to residents had been a privilege.

"Mayor Olga has done more for this city than we had done in a long, long time," said Turnak, adding he will be back.

"I may stop by once in a while because I'm a citizen now," he said.

12032011 - News Article - Portage mayor-elect begins forming administration

Portage mayor-elect begins forming administration

NWI Times

Dec 03, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-mayor-elect-begins-forming-administration/article_729e1252-d326-5bdc-9853-7acc4cdbd26f.html

PORTAGE | With four weeks to go before taking office, Mayor-elect James Snyder is beginning to put his new administration in place.

There are some old names that will be returning to City Hall.

A.J. Monroe, who served as the city's planner under the Sammie Maletta and Doug Olson administrations, will remain to work with Snyder. The mayor-elect has chosen Monroe to serve as the city's director of public works, replacing Craig Hendrix.

"A.J. oversaw, from the planning side, some of the greatest expansion in the city of Portage. It is a privilege to have him," Snyder said.

Gregg Sobkowski, who serves on the Board of Works and as attorney for the Redevelopment Commission, was named as city attorney, replacing Ken Elwood. Sobkowski also served as city attorney for the Olson administration.

Amanda Lakie, Snyder's secretary at his mortgage business, will be Snyder's administrative assistant, replacing Norma Laboy.

Snyder said he also has decided to retain Don Slawnikowski as the plant division superintendent for the Utility Service Department.

Snyder said he has not made any other decisions concerning personnel but hopes to have his administration put in place by the time he takes office Jan. 1.

"My goal is not to make rash decisions but to make strategic decisions," he said, adding he is looking at a balance of "continuity and change" when making personnel decisions.

"We are also looking at the city budget and finding savings where we can. We are making sure we are fiscally sound next year," he said.

Snyder said he is working with a committee to choose a new police chief. Thus far, he said, he has received between six and nine applications for the position. Those applications have come from within the department's ranks. Police Chief Mark Becker is not among the applicants.

Snyder said he is looking at all other city departments but has not made any decisions.

"We are not going to trade quality for speed," Snyder said, adding that personnel changes will give him an opportunity to restructure City Hall.

"The first part is finding out who is going to be where. The second part is finding how to structure City Hall to be the most efficient and responsive to meet residents needs," he said.

He and his staff have adopted a motto — "Excellence and Efficiency" — for city employees for 2012, he said, and signs will be posted in City Hall and "every police car and firetruck" to remind employees of their responsibilities.

12012011 - News Article - Redevelopment panel payments spawn dispute

Redevelopment panel payments spawn dispute
Times, The (Munster, IN)
December 1, 2011
http://infoweb.newsbank.com
PORTAGE -- What is normally a quiet meeting turned contentious Wednesday as a Portage Redevelopment Commission member balked at funding the Portage Economic Development Corp. and paying for a marketing flier.

Member Susan Kelly-Johnson, former president of the PEDCO board who resigned from the organization about a year ago, criticized PEDCO's operations and proposed budget for 2012.

The Redevelopment Commission annually supports the economic development group. This year, PEDCO requested a $73,975 contribution, the same level as in two previous years.

Kelly-Johnson said she would only support providing funding for the first quarter of the year because executive director Bert Cook is leaving the post after serving less than a year.

Kelly-Johnson said PEDCO should come back in January after the new city administration is in place and request additional funding. Kelly-Johnson is also a member of Mayor-elect James Snyder's transition team.

"I have a lot of concerns," Kelly-Johnson said about the group's proposed budget and operations.

PEDCO President Diane Thalmann said it was important to have full funding in place to attract a new director. Thalmann said an interim director will be chosen quickly and a search for a new director will begin soon.

Cook said he is leaving PEDCO to return to his old job as director of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp.

The full budget request was approved 3-1 with Mayor Olga Velazquez and members Allen Ekdahl and Ed Gottschling voting in favor.

Kelly-Johnson also objected to spending $2,505 of commission money on a marketing piece involving the University Center. The piece was mailed shortly before the mayoral election in November and became an issue in the election.

Kelly-Johnson said the commission never saw or approved the document before it was sent and that the document was not an advertising piece for the higher education facility.

Velazquez said the marketing piece was requested by the universities who will offer classes in the center next year in an effort to attract students.

The claim eventually was approved by the same 3-1 vote.