Lake County Sheriff, Portage Mayor Indicted
ABC News - Chicago
November 18, 2016 - 11:30AM
November 18, 2016 - 11:30AM
The U.S. Attorney's office announced public corruption indictments Friday against officials in both Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.
Last week, state police assisted the FBI as they executed a search warrant at the Lake County Sheriff's office in Crown Point.
On Friday, authorities charged Lake County Sheriff John Buncich with four counts of wire fraud and receiving bribes. Timothy Downs, chief deputy at the Lake County Sheriff's Department, was also charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of receiving a bribe. Portage Mayor James Schneider is also facing charges of bribery and obstruction of tax laws.
The officials are accused of taking money from local towing companies in exchange for contracts. Buncich is alleged to have corruptly solicited, demanded and received over $25,000 in cash and $7,000 in checks in exchange for favorable actions by Buncich regarding the towing contracts.
Snyder is alleged to have corruptly solicited and received two checks totaling $12,000 in exchange for a towing contract in the City of Portage. Authorities said Snyder also corruptly solicited and agreed to accept a bank check in the amount of $13,000 in connection with Portage Board of Works contracts and other considerations.
"To those others out there in law enforcement or in elected positions who have been engaging in conduct similar to that announced today regarding towing contracts. You know who you are and we know currently who some of them are and we are coming after you," said David Capp, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Indiana.
If convicted on all of the charges, Buncich and Downs could face a maximum of 30 years in prison. Both pleaded not guilty and were released.
Buncich and Downs are due back in court on January 17. Federal authorities said they expect more charges to follow.
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