01312017 - News Article - Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation

Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation
Post-Tribune
January 31, 2017 - 11:01AM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-snyder-portage-resign-asked-st-0201-20170131-story.html

Portage City Council President Mark Oprisko has joined a growing list of city officials calling for Mayor James Snyder to resign in light of his federal indictment in November on public corruption charges.

Oprisko also said the council may consider ordinances to neutralize Snyder as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board.

"It's in the best interests of every official and every resident for (Snyder) to step aside," Oprisko said Monday. "We have great department heads. Let the city run. Let us run it so we don't have to keep hearing about the indictment."

In an e-mailed statement, Snyder remained defiant, citing his "American Civil Rights" and the presumption of innocence, while acknowledging the indictment "is weighing heavily on Portage."

"No Resigning!" Snyder responded when asked if was going to resign. He also said Portage residents continue "receiving the great services they have come to expect, and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working."

Oprisko, D-at large, and Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, met with Snyder in City Hall. Oprisko also said he is "considering different options" to remove Snyder from his position as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board or weaken him in that spot.

Cannon, who described the discussion with Snyder as "spirited," said he is a longtime friend of Snyder's, but the November indictment may be a factor in where the city goes from here. Cannon said he did not "directly ask the mayor" to step down.

"I think Council President Oprisko and myself, we have real concerns about our city and if there's something holding our city back from growing and holding back all of the wonderful things this mayor has done, then we have to address that," Cannon said. "(Snyder) may not be able to continue to do the wonderful things he's done if there's a cloud hanging over him."

In November, Snyder and John Cortina, owner of a towing company in the city, were indicted. Snyder was charged with one count of tax evasion and two counts of bribery.

In a final 2016 annual campaign finance report, Citizens for Snyder, the mayor's campaign committee, reported receiving $2,000 in direct support from Cortina and a $10,000 loan from the businessman.

On the Hammond courthouse steps Nov. 18, the day he was indicted, Snyder's attorney, Thomas Kirsch, indicated they could prove Snyder received a loan from Cortina, not a bribe.

The campaign finance report also showed Citizens for Snyder gave $6,300 to the Committee to Elect John Cannon between March and August last year for Cannon's failed run for county commissioner.

Cannon defended the contribution as part of his efforts and Snyder's efforts to give Portage residents more say at the county level.

"I'm assuming at some point in time I'll be put in same light as mayor because of that relationship and our party," Cannon said. "The perception may be we're connected at the hip, and that's the farthest thing from the truth.

"Campaigns are not about the person running. It's about what we're going to do to better the citizens of Portage."

The City Council agreed on asking Snyder to resign, Oprisko said, and one member, Collin Czilli, D-5th, in a separate statement, said Snyder is innocent until proven guilty, but "if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage's future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham called for Snyder's resignation earlier in January.

"I think it's a powerful message the president of the City Council has joined my previous call for Mayor Snyder to step down," Stidham said Monday. "My call was based on the fact this indictment was an enormous distraction."

Snyder seemed to shock city officials last September when he asked the utility board to pay for his more than $90,000 in legal fees, to that point, related to the federal investigation.

Oprisko, who is the vice chairman of the board, said he immediately sought to stop the board from paying the expenses,.

The council president said he is exploring ordinances to remove the mayor's office from the utility board seat or deny Snyder compensation.

01302017 - News Article - Portage council call for mayor's resignation

Portage council call for mayor's resignation
NWI Times
Jan 30, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-council-call-for-mayor-s-resignation/article_b3075069-fa04-5665-a429-2f830c689ff9.html

PORTAGE — The City Council here has called for the resignation of Mayor James Snyder.

Council President Mark Oprisko, a Democrat, and Councilman John Cannon, the council's lone Republican, met with Snyder on Monday afternoon for more than an hour.

"I basically told him how I feel, as well as the others, that it is time to resign. The focus is now more on the indictment and the charges than the city," said Oprisko, adding he has had reports from employees that the mayor's legal status is impeding their jobs.

"I told him if you are not going to resign, stay home and collect your salary and let the city move forward," said Oprisko, adding that if he doesn't resign, the council will propose an ordinance to remove him as chairman of the Utility Services Board.

Snyder was indicted on three counts in federal court in November including bribery and tax evasion. His trial is set for April 10.

Oprisko said there are several reasons why they are calling for the mayor's resignation, including recent spending trends, the effort by the mayor to pay $93,000 of his personal legal fees prior to his indictment without seeking approval from the Utility Services Board and, most recently, his trip to Washington D.C. for a mayor's conference and to attend the presidential inauguration, taking two police administrators and his family.

Council members Sue Lynch, Liz Modesto, Scott Williams and Collin Czilli all said they agreed with Oprisko's and Cannon's request of the mayor. Member Pat Clem was out of the area.

"I am standing behind the city council members in asking him to resign," said Lynch. "If he truly loves the city, he needs to do what is best for the city."

"I am 100 percent in support of President Oprisko's decision to approach the mayor and ask him to step down," said Williams. "I believe the morale has been affected to prevent the city from operating properly and it is the time the council stepped forward and made a stand."

Modesto said "it is not just one thing, it is a combination of things" that caused her to agree to seek Snyder's resignation, citing recent issues with the mayor's spending.

"I still believe what I said in my statement of Nov. 18 to be true, Mayor Snyder is innocent until proven guilty and deserves his day in court," said Czilli. "However, after two months of consideration, I have reached the conclusion that if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage’s future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

The council's call for Snyder's resignation follows that of Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham.

Snyder gave a statement to The Times via email saying "When I signed my oath of office there was no clause giving up my American Civil Rights, including my presumed innocence. My rights and my oath of office are no different than Councilman Oprisko or Councilman Cannon’s rights. They are correct that this is weighing heavily on Portage and we are operating well under these circumstances. Residents of Portage are receiving the great services they have come to expect and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working. My dedication to working with other City elected officials has not feigned and together Portage will see more big things accomplished. Any rash decisions are ill advised and detrimental to the future of Portage."

01282017 - News Article - Lake County sheriff facing corruption case wants guns back

Lake County sheriff facing corruption case wants guns back

AP News

January 28, 2017

apnews.com/3acb4ac5ef734e019f63b9b871481f61

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — An attorney for John Buncich has asked a federal judge if the indicted Lake County sheriff can have his guns back.

Buncich's defense attorney filed the petition in U.S. District Court Friday. The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports the attorney is asking for the return of weapons the sheriff surrendered last year when he was charged with fraud and bribery. The sheriff's attorney argues Buncich isn't charged with a violent crime and "needs his firearms to carry out his employment."

Buncich and others were named in a multicount indictment Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes. Buncich has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

A federal magistrate released Buncich on bond with the condition he surrender firearms and not possess any while awaiting trial.

01272017 - News Article - Lake County sheriff wants his guns back

Lake County sheriff wants his guns back
NWI Times
Jan 27, 2017
nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lake-county-sheriff-wants-his-guns-back/article_e89eecd9-c969-57fd-b1b1-69de17b7697b.html

CROWN POINT — Lake County Sheriff John Buncich would like his sidearms back.

A defense attorney for the sheriff is petitioning a U.S. District Court judge for the return of the weapons he surrendered last year when he was charged with fraud and bribery.

The U.S. attorney's office charged Buncich Nov. 18 with felony fraud and bribery charges alleging he solicited and received money from towing firms seeking business from county police.

Buncich is pleading not guilty and awaiting trial, which is now scheduled to begin as early as April 10.

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry released Buncich on bond on the standard condition that he surrender any firearms and not possess while awaiting trial.

Bryan M. Truitt, who is defending Buncich, filed the request for the guns' return Friday.

He argued Buncich has never previously been charged with a crime, isn't being accused of a crime of violence now, isn't a danger to others and "needs his firearms to carry out his employment."

Buncich has served 40 years in law enforcement and has won election as sheriff four times since 1994.

01272017 - News Article - Lake County sheriff wants feds to return his firearms

Lake County sheriff wants feds to return his firearms

Post-Tribune

January 27, 2017

chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-buncich-wants-guns-returned-st-0128-20170127-story.html

As he awaits trial in April on corruption charges, Lake County Sheriff John Buncich wants the federal government to return his firearms.

Buncich filed a motion to modify conditions of his bond in U.S. District Court on Friday, seeking return of his firearms on the basis he needs them to carry out the duties of his job, according to court documents. Buncich's attorney, Bryan Truitt, said it is a small number of weapons and a sidearm is necessary to carry out his duties at the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

One of the conditions of his bond is that he is not allowed to possess any weapons, court documents stated. Buncich states in the motion that he has never been charged with a crime before and that the current charges do not involve a crime of violence.

Buncich, former Lake County Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff allegedly accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters. All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

Buncich, whose department was in charge of deciding which companies were called for towing services, and Downs allegedly steered business toward towing operators in exchange for cash and checks. Buncich allegedly took more than $25,000 in cash bribes and $7,000 in checks from Szarmach and another towing operator identified as "Individual A," according to the indictment.

Buncich and Szarmach pleaded not guilty during their initial appearances in November.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office, admitting he cooperated with Buncich to solicit bribes from tow truck operators for favorable treatment.

Downs, who is scheduled for sentencing on March 16, has resigned from the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

01242017 - News Article - Portage mayor raises, spends more than $136,000 in campaign funds

Portage mayor raises, spends more than $136,000 in campaign funds

Joyce Russell 

NWI Times

January 24, 2017

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/portage-mayor-raises-spends-more-than-in-campaign-funds/article_1d4bc1e0-8251-5712-be25-9b94b120079a.html

01182017--Snyder's-2016-Financial-Report-For-Citizens-For-Snyder

PORTAGE — Mayor James Snyder's 2016 campaign spending doesn't pass the "stink test," according to two Hoosier political analysts.

Snyder, who was elected in 2015, raised in excess of $136,000 in campaign funding last year and spent it all in 2016, according to his campaign finance report.

Among the contributions to his campaign, outlined in the 2016 year-end report of receipts and expenditures of a political committee released Friday, was a $2,000 donation and $10,000 loan from his co-defendant in his federal bribery case.

John Cortina, who was indicted along with Snyder in November, has made donations to Citizens for Snyder for many years, said Snyder's campaign treasurer, Kenard Taylor. The donations support the Mayor's Roundtable, which brings other mayors to Portage for events. 

"This year he also lent the campaign $10,000," Taylor said.

Practice not unusual for larger cities

While 2016 was not a mayoral election year, and Snyder has said he will not seek a third term as mayor, Taylor said it is not unusual for some politicians to raise funds in an off year.

"You'll find it goes both ways through the state. He went out and raised money for other candidates. He wants to help people who will promote Portage, help people who can help his community," said Taylor, who prepares campaign finance reports for other candidates as well.

Andrew Downs, director of the Michael Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, said it would not be uncommon for a politician to raise and spend money in an off-election year — had Snyder not announced he wasn't running for re-election. 

Usually, said Downs and Hoosier political analyst Brian Howey, that is saved for larger cities and higher state or federal offices.

And while some candidates raise funds on off years, Howey said he finds it unusual for a mayor of a city the size of Portage to do so.

Commingling accounts

Howey was more surprised by Snyder's use of campaign funds to pay personal expenses.

Those include paying his wife $12,000 for campaign management; $11,300 to Taylor for consulting and financial services; $8,300 in rent toward his campaign office, which is shared space with his personal mortgage company; $9,700 to his company SRC LLC for his campaign's share in office supplies, equipment or salaries; $5,000 to himself as a loan repayment and $3,851 to Google for advertisements and web promotion.

There also are campaign expenses involving Snyder's golf outing and additional fundraisers, Taylor said.

"I haven't heard of that kind of intermingle of funds since the 1996 Pence congressional campaign," Howey said. "It is highly irregular commingling personal and campaign accounts."

Downs said Snyder's expenses are likely legal, but "don't pass the stink test."

Snyder did donate $12,300 to various Republican candidates and to the county Republican organization. He also used $22,000 to pay attorney Thomas Kirsh, who is defending him in federal court.

That too is legal, Taylor said, because the investigation and indictment involves his position as mayor.

Downs was surprised that Snyder maintains a campaign office year-round and pays campaign workers, as well as rent. Downs said even Fort Wayne's mayor doesn't maintain such an office. Most candidates, particularly in a city the size of Portage, might have a storefront for a few months around the election and a cellphone for someone to take calls.

Remaining expenditures went to meals, travel, charitable donations and other incidentals.

As for donations, Snyder received 35 donations of $2,000 or more, many coming from companies that do business with the city, including the city engineer, city attorney and Allen's Lawn Care, which holds the city's landscaping contract; Holladay Properties, developers of AmeriPlex and the Founders Promenade development; Marina Shores at Dune Harbor, which received approval to offer the first residential tax abatements in the city; Midnight Blue Towing, which is on the city's towing list; the Pangere Corp., contractors for the new fire station, and SEH of Munster, which holds several design/engineering contracts with the city.

Snyder's committee ended the year more than $19,000 in debt, including the loan from Cortina and the remaining money owed himself. He did not return an email request for comment.

01312017 - News Article - Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation

Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation
Post-Tribune
January 31, 2017 - 11:01AM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-snyder-portage-resign-asked-st-0201-20170131-story.html

Portage City Council President Mark Oprisko has joined a growing list of city officials calling for Mayor James Snyder to resign in light of his federal indictment in November on public corruption charges.

Oprisko also said the council may consider ordinances to neutralize Snyder as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board.

"It's in the best interests of every official and every resident for (Snyder) to step aside," Oprisko said Monday. "We have great department heads. Let the city run. Let us run it so we don't have to keep hearing about the indictment."

In an e-mailed statement, Snyder remained defiant, citing his "American Civil Rights" and the presumption of innocence, while acknowledging the indictment "is weighing heavily on Portage."

"No Resigning!" Snyder responded when asked if was going to resign. He also said Portage residents continue "receiving the great services they have come to expect, and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working."

Oprisko, D-at large, and Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, met with Snyder in City Hall. Oprisko also said he is "considering different options" to remove Snyder from his position as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board or weaken him in that spot.

Cannon, who described the discussion with Snyder as "spirited," said he is a longtime friend of Snyder's, but the November indictment may be a factor in where the city goes from here. Cannon said he did not "directly ask the mayor" to step down.

"I think Council President Oprisko and myself, we have real concerns about our city and if there's something holding our city back from growing and holding back all of the wonderful things this mayor has done, then we have to address that," Cannon said. "(Snyder) may not be able to continue to do the wonderful things he's done if there's a cloud hanging over him."

In November, Snyder and John Cortina, owner of a towing company in the city, were indicted. Snyder was charged with one count of tax evasion and two counts of bribery.

In a final 2016 annual campaign finance report, Citizens for Snyder, the mayor's campaign committee, reported receiving $2,000 in direct support from Cortina and a $10,000 loan from the businessman.

On the Hammond courthouse steps Nov. 18, the day he was indicted, Snyder's attorney, Thomas Kirsch, indicated they could prove Snyder received a loan from Cortina, not a bribe.

The campaign finance report also showed Citizens for Snyder gave $6,300 to the Committee to Elect John Cannon between March and August last year for Cannon's failed run for county commissioner.

Cannon defended the contribution as part of his efforts and Snyder's efforts to give Portage residents more say at the county level.

"I'm assuming at some point in time I'll be put in same light as mayor because of that relationship and our party," Cannon said. "The perception may be we're connected at the hip, and that's the farthest thing from the truth.

"Campaigns are not about the person running. It's about what we're going to do to better the citizens of Portage."

The City Council agreed on asking Snyder to resign, Oprisko said, and one member, Collin Czilli, D-5th, in a separate statement, said Snyder is innocent until proven guilty, but "if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage's future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham called for Snyder's resignation earlier in January.

"I think it's a powerful message the president of the City Council has joined my previous call for Mayor Snyder to step down," Stidham said Monday. "My call was based on the fact this indictment was an enormous distraction."

Snyder seemed to shock city officials last September when he asked the utility board to pay for his more than $90,000 in legal fees, to that point, related to the federal investigation.

Oprisko, who is the vice chairman of the board, said he immediately sought to stop the board from paying the expenses,.

The council president said he is exploring ordinances to remove the mayor's office from the utility board seat or deny Snyder compensation.

01242017 - News Article - Former cop charged in shooting death gets trial date

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

01092018 - Tiara Thomas Murder - Trial Of Former Gary/Hammond Police Officer Kevin Campbell - CONVICTED

Former cop charged in shooting death gets trial date
Post-Tribune (IN)
January 24, 2017
www.newsbank.com
A summer trial date has been set for a former Hammond and Gary police officer accused of killing the mother of his three children in 2015.

Kevin Campbell has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder in the shooting death of his former girlfriend, Tiara Thomas, 30, in Porter County Superior Court and is being held without bond.

At a hearing Monday, Campbell's trial was scheduled to begin Aug. 8, going a few days a week for three weeks, concluding Aug. 24. He also has hearings scheduled for April 24 and July 10.

Thomas was found with gunshot wounds to her chest, head and both wrists the morning of Nov. 18, 2015, at the Portage apartment she shared with her fiance in the 5900 block of Old Porter Road in the Park Place apartment complex. She died a short time later at a Gary hospital.

When Campbell was arrested, Portage police said there may have been a financial motive involved. Campbell's vehicle was repossessed, and he and Thomas argued about child support payments, according to charging documents. Police also found numerous voice mails from creditors on Campbell's cellphone, and he had a bank account balance of $7.58 when Thomas died, court documents said.

Campbell was terminated from the Hammond Police Department five days after Thomas' body was discovered. He previously worked as an officer with the Gary Police Department.

01242017 - News Article - Trial date set for ex-officer charged in slaying of woman

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

01092018 - Tiara Thomas Murder - Trial Of Former Gary/Hammond Police Officer Kevin Campbell - CONVICTED

Trial date set for ex-officer charged in slaying of woman
Associated Press State Wire: Indiana (IN)
January 24, 2017
www.newsbank.com
VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — An August trial date has been set for a former Hammond and Gary police officer charged in the death of the mother of three of his children.

Kevin Campbell of Hobart has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the shooting death of his former girlfriend, 30-year-old Tiara Thomas. He's being held without bond.

At a hearing Monday in Porter County Court, Campbell's trial was scheduled to begin Aug. 8.

Authorities say phone records indicated Campbell and Thomas argued over nearly $1,500 in child support he paid and that creditors were calling him.

Police also found numerous voicemails from creditors on Campbell's cellphone, and he had a bank account balance of $7.58 when Thomas died.

Campbell was fired by the Hammond Police Department days after Thomas' body was discovered.

01232017 - News Article - Former cop to stand trial Aug. 8 for murder

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

01092018 - Tiara Thomas Murder - Trial Of Former Gary/Hammond Police Officer Kevin Campbell - CONVICTED

Former cop to stand trial Aug. 8 for murder
NWI Times
Jan 23, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-cop-to-stand-trial-aug-for-murder/article_3f021691-5a7c-51cb-880f-a04c46f6670e.html

VALPARAISO — An Aug. 8 trial has been scheduled for a former Hammond and Gary police officer charged with murdering the mother of three of his children.

The trial involving Kevin Campbell was scheduled out over three weeks after Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Matt Frost said it could go for as long as 10 days.

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford hears trials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday so as not to interfere with the routine court call.

Campbell, 32, is charged with killing Tiara Thomas, 30, who was found covered in blood about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 18, 2015, in her unit at Park Place Apartments, 5970 Old Porter Road in Portage. She died later at the hospital.

Court records allege Campbell shot Thomas sometime between 4:37 a.m. and 5:55 a.m., then took their three children to school.

The couple's oldest child, a middle school student, reportedly told investigators that on the way to school that morning, they stopped at Columbus Park in Lake Station, where Campbell dumped a bag the child believed contained shoes and other unknown items at the park. Police have not recovered the bag.

Campbell kept the three children overnight the night before Thomas was killed, which was unusual, according to court records. He allegedly requested his oldest child bring him a key to the apartment nearly two weeks before the killing.

There was no forced entry into Thomas' apartment the morning she was killed, according to the court document.

The affidavit states Campbell paid Thomas nearly $1,500 per month in child support and the two often argued about the money and how it was spent. The charges indicate Campbell was in debt and his vehicle had been repossessed.

Campbell made an unsuccessful attempt this past summer to be released on bond while his case proceeds.

While Bradford agreed with the defense that there may not be a lot of physical evidence linking him to the crime, he said the presumption of his guilt is strong based on circumstantial evidence and that is enough to justify continuing to hold Campbell without bond.

A status hearing in the case was scheduled for April 24, with a pre-trial conference July 10.

01222017 - News Article - MARC CHASE: Tailspinning Buncich can't fix party nosedive

MARC CHASE: Tailspinning Buncich can't fix party nosedive

NWI Times

Jan 22, 2017

nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/marc-chase/marc-chase-tailspinning-buncich-can-t-fix-party-nosedive/article_d166677f-452e-5d17-819c-81c4223b9bb9.html

Organizations plagued by scandal and spinning out of control need a steady pilot — a firm-handed leader to end the nosedive.

But a chief aviator can't right a swooning aircraft when his focus remains out in the clouds and not on the controls.

In many ways, aspects of the Lake County Democratic Party are descending into a lame-winged descent.

There's no better example than the recent guilty plea by Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington to charges he battered his wife.

He pleaded guilty on a Thursday in December, and then one day later had what some county officials referred to as celebratory cocktails with other county political officials and allies.

It seems Washington was happy he was able to plead guilty to misdemeanor battery to avoid the felony strangulation charges he had faced.

Then, nearly a month to the day after the guilty plea, Washington's fellow County Council members voted 4-3 to elevate what should have been a scandal-plagued untouchable to the prestige of Lake County Council vice president.

Lake County government and its penchant for political corruption notwithstanding, most of us expect more out of our leaders.

Some of us also pine for a Democratic Party leader to step in and channel World War II Gen. George S. Patton, slapping helmets to knock its soldiers back in line.

And man, have some of the county's Democrats really fallen out of line.

It doesn't get much more out of line than celebrating victory after pleading guilty to domestic battery and then having your political cronies — plus one really misguided Republican swing vote — elevate you to a position of higher power and prestige.

So where is the Patton who can smack helmets and reorient the local Democratic Party's course with a bona fide moral compass?

"Why, that hard-handed field general ought to be the party chairman," many of us likely have said to ourselves.

And to be sure, the Lake County Democratic Party Chairman John Buncich has expressed no real love, in the past, for Jamal Washington and his indiscretions.

As the county's chief lawman — Buncich also is Lake County sheriff, in addition to party chairman — one would expect Buncich to have extra motivation for dropping the hammer on Washington's embarrassments and all party members who've fed into them.

But he can't, and it's just one more reinforcement of why Buncich should abdicate his roles as both sheriff and party chairman.

By now, most of you also know Buncich was indicted in late 2016 for an alleged indiscretion of his own.

Buncich awaits a federal felony trial on charges alleging he took bribes related to towing contracts funneled through the sheriff's office.

Unlike Washington, who already had his day in court and pleaded guilty to the state battery charge, Buncich has not yet entered any pleas nor faced trial in the unrelated federal bribery case.

Buncich is presumed innocent unless proven — or pleading — guilty.

But the very nature of a federal bribery indictment creates a distraction that would render any leader ineffective.

Yet proven or not, federal indictments erode credibility in the minds of most people. That's because the Hammond-based U.S. attorney filing the charges doesn't tend to seek grand jury indictments unless he has plenty of evidence. The U.S. attorney's success rate in winning guilty convictions or prompting guilty pleas in a plethora of Region public corruption cases has been near-perfect in recent decades.

Buncich can't lead in the wake of these allegations — not his party and not his law enforcement office.

So we wait to see if a leader will emerge — someone with both the will and power to quell such extraordinary embarrassments as a wife batterer being rewarded by his peers.

We all need to be transmitting a mayday call and hoping a fit pilot from Lake County's party of power is listening.

01192017 - News Article - Lake County sheriff called to step aside

Lake County sheriff called to step aside

NWI Times

Jan 19, 2017 

nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lake-county-sheriff-called-to-step-aside/article_4b0e40fc-1b5b-50b5-a93c-3996949c3dfa.html

CROWN POINT — A former Lake County official is asking Sheriff John Buncich to take a leave of absence while awaiting trial on federal corruption charges.

Gerry Scheub, who served as county commissioner for 20 years until his defeat last fall by Republican Jerry Tippy, has written an open letter to Buncich and other Democratic leaders proposing Buncich step aside for a "retired administrative person" to take over the department's 550 employees and $30 million budget.

Scheub states in the letter, dated Wednesday, the arrangement would spare the party negative public relations, let the interim administrator give full attention to law enforcement and let Buncich concentrate on defending himself.

Buncich couldn't be reached Thursday for comment.

The U.S. Attorney's office charged Buncich Nov. 18 with felony fraud and bribery charges alleging he solicited and received money from towing firms seeking business from county police.

Buncich is pleading not guilty. His jury trial now is set to begin the week of April 10.

Scheub's letter indicates he was sending copies to Democrats in local government, the party's community chairmen and women, and precinct captains.

Scheub suggested Buncich's pay be put in an escrow account and would only be paid to Buncich if he is found not guilty. Scheub suggested the interim administrator serve without pay.

01182017 - News Article - Commissioners take over tow contract administration

Commissioners take over tow contract administration 

Post-Tribune

January 18, 2017

chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-lake-county-towing-st-0119-20170118-story

Lake County commissioners now have control of the county's towing operations.

Commissioners signed off Wednesday on the two ordinances approved by the county council last week that transfer control to the three-man panel.

Commissioners did not take any action in proposing a new contract or making any changes to the existing contract, postponing any action until the February meeting, or possibly, an earlier special meeting if necessary.

New commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, said he supports rescinding the ordinance that gives towing authority to the sheriff and moving the money collected from the nonreverting towing fund to the general fund. The three commissioners will be responsible for all towing contacts.

"(This means) we will continue with the original ordinance until we put something new in place," Tippy said.

He also said he would like to discuss removing the two towing companies involved in the indictment from any contract commissioners might approve.

"We've got to give that consideration," Tippy said.

The county council last week in first and second readings moved to strip responsibility of the towing contracts from Sheriff John Buncich in the wake of a towing scandal alleging bribes and misappropriation of funds.

Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment on Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records.

All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

Buncich and Szarmach have pleaded not guilty.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit brides from tow truck operators for favorable treatment.

Commissioners President Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said he agrees with his fellow councilman concerning what companies may be allowed to participate in future towing contracts with the county.

He said commissioners are working on changing the contract to improve how the operation works.

The terms of the existing contract as it relates to the two operators will remain in place until commissioners approve a new deal.

"What I desire to do is professionalize the selection process … ," Repay said.

John Dull, commissioners' attorney, said work is underway to create a list of criteria for tow operators.

Officials also are working with Lake County E-911 to establish the best way to dispatch tow trucks when they are requested by sheriff's deputies.

01182017 - News Article - Commissioners take over tow contract administration

Commissioners take over tow contract administration 

Post-Tribune

January 18, 2017

chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-lake-county-towing-st-0119-20170118-story

Lake County commissioners now have control of the county's towing operations.

Commissioners signed off Wednesday on the two ordinances approved by the county council last week that transfer control to the three-man panel.

Commissioners did not take any action in proposing a new contract or making any changes to the existing contract, postponing any action until the February meeting, or possibly, an earlier special meeting if necessary.

New commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, said he supports rescinding the ordinance that gives towing authority to the sheriff and moving the money collected from the nonreverting towing fund to the general fund. The three commissioners will be responsible for all towing contacts.

"(This means) we will continue with the original ordinance until we put something new in place," Tippy said.

He also said he would like to discuss removing the two towing companies involved in the indictment from any contract commissioners might approve.

"We've got to give that consideration," Tippy said.

The county council last week in first and second readings moved to strip responsibility of the towing contracts from Sheriff John Buncich in the wake of a towing scandal alleging bribes and misappropriation of funds.

Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment on Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records.

All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

Buncich and Szarmach have pleaded not guilty.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit brides from tow truck operators for favorable treatment.

Commissioners President Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said he agrees with his fellow councilman concerning what companies may be allowed to participate in future towing contracts with the county.

He said commissioners are working on changing the contract to improve how the operation works.

The terms of the existing contract as it relates to the two operators will remain in place until commissioners approve a new deal.

"What I desire to do is professionalize the selection process … ," Repay said.

John Dull, commissioners' attorney, said work is underway to create a list of criteria for tow operators.

Officials also are working with Lake County E-911 to establish the best way to dispatch tow trucks when they are requested by sheriff's deputies.

01162017 - News Article - EDITORIAL: Buncich, Snyder selfishly hold posts

EDITORIAL: Buncich, Snyder selfishly hold posts

NWI Times
The Times Editorial Board  

Updated: January 16, 2017

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-buncich-snyder-selfishly-hold-posts/article_dc7f2c86-7e55-5c11-8195-336982e2ac74.html

The Times recently reported that Lake County Sheriff John Buncich sought a continuance in his federal criminal case in which the county's top lawman faces felony bribery charges.

In court filings, Buncich argued he needed more time to prepare his defense against the criminal indictment in Hammond federal court.

If Buncich would do the right thing and resign now, he would have more time to focus on his criminal charges, which will only cause further distractions and obstacles to the important business of serving as sheriff.

We've argued this before, but it's worth restating.

Buncich and Portage Mayor James Snyder, who faces a separate and unrelated federal bribery case, both should resign and stop hauling their constituents through the legal distractions and drama.

Both men face unrelated felony bribery charges related to towing contracts under the stewardship of their respective public offices.

It’s only going to get worse the longer they wait to step down.

One of Buncich’s chief deputies already has pleaded guilty in the scheme and pledged to aid federal prosecutors.

In the meantime, how many local and federal law enforcement agencies will want to continue partnering — or funding — an agency run by a leader facing federal felony charges?

The Lake County Sheriff's Department, like other local police agencies, frequently relies on federal funds for various law enforcement initiatives, including overtime money for special patrols.

It's hard to fathom any branch of the federal government looking favorably on granting money to a police agency whose leader is operating under such a dark shroud.

In both the case of Buncich and Snyder, abdicating office, guilty or not, is the right thing to do for both government reputations and taxpayers.

Mounting a defense against federal criminal charges will take immense time, effort and attention. It's impossible to conceive of there being much time left to focus on the important duties they were elected to execute.

Federal grand jury indictments accuse both Buncich and Snyder of illegally enriching themselves via their public offices. It's a clear allegation of greed infecting government.

If they're interested in showing their intentions are pure — which their pleas of not guilty portend — they'll take the selfless act of resigning.

Right now, they're showing nothing by selfishness in refusing to abdicate.

Nearly two months have passed since these charges were leveled. Constituents and fellow government leaders should apply more pressure for these men to do the right thing and step down.

01132017 - News Article - Sheriff needs more time to prepare bribery case

Sheriff needs more time to prepare bribery case

NWI Times

Updated Jan 13, 2017  

nwitimes.com/news/crime-and-court/sheriff-needs-more-time-to-prepare-bribery-case/article_237ec2a0-f0a8-5c3f-998d-9b923ebc014a.html

HAMMOND — An attorney for Lake County Sheriff John Buncich is asking for more time to prepare for a trial on bribery charges.

Valparaiso defense attorney Bryan M. Truitt, who represents Sheriff John Buncich, said he has yet to receive any of the government's evidence, which includes more than 45 compact discs containing numerous video and audio recordings.

Truitt said Valparaiso lawyer Larry Rogers is only now joining the sheriff's defense team. He said it would take at least six months to get ready for trial.

U.S. Attorney David Capp has charged Buncich, Tim Downs, the sheriff's former second-in-command, and a Lake Station towing firm owner on allegations Buncich solicited thousands of dollars in bribes and campaign contributions from towing firms.

Buncich has pleaded not guilty. Downs pleaded guilty last month to soliciting political contributions from towing firms under Buncich's order and is expected to testify against Buncich at trial.

The court postponed a pre-trial hearing that was to have taken place Friday morning, but hasn't set deadlines for the case.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Court Magistrate Paul Cherry granted a request for more time by an attorney for Portage Mayor James Snyder, who is pleading not guilty to charges of soliciting bribes for towing and public works projects.

Snyder's trial now is scheduled to begin April 10 before U.S. District Court Judge Judge Rudy Lozano.

01112017 - News Article - Officials dispute north county complex future

Officials dispute north county complex future

NWI Times

Updated Jan 11, 2017  

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/officials-dispute-north-county-complex-future/article_630dce79-083f-55a8-a571-d3f9003113ce.html

PORTAGE — Porter County government is taking a close look at its north county government complex, which at nearly 40 years old is falling short of today's needs.

If it is determined a new building is needed for the courts and other government offices, it likely will be constructed at the same site south of U.S. 6 along the west side of Willowcreek Road, according to Porter County Commissioner Jeff Good, R-Center.

But Portage Mayor James Snyder said he would prefer to see a new county building sited farther north in the city's downtown area, between the new fire and police stations.

The downtown location would provide the city with a much-needed anchor for the downtown, while fueling economic development for the city and county, he said. Development occurred around the site of the current location, he said, but now that that has occurred, it would be a lost opportunity for the downtown to put a new building up at the same site.

Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said he understands Snyder's point of view, but agrees that it makes more sense for the county as a whole to rebuild, if necessary, at the same site.

The county already owns the land, and it's more easily accessible than the downtown, he said. The current site is also where there is the most potential for growth, especially if Willowcreek Road is one day extended south to U.S. 30.

Snyder said the downtown location would be closer to the Duneland area and easily reached by the Indiana Toll Road.

The county could sell the valuable land that it now owns, and the city would be willing to look at all options to make the downtown site a reality, he said.

01112017 - News Article - Portage mayor's trial delayed until April

Portage mayor's trial delayed until April

NWI Times

Updated Jan 11, 2017  

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage-mayor-s-trial-delayed-until-april/article_0f5b5005-e942-581d-884a-11e014b74189.html

PORTAGE — Mayor James Snyder's federal trial on bribery and tax evasion charges has been postponed. The trial will now begin April 10.

Snyder's attorney filed a motion for a continuance last month saying his firm had not received discovery materials from the federal government as yet. That motion was unopposed by the federal prosecutors and granted this week by the courts.

Snyder was indicted on three separate charges in November following a more-than-two-year investigation by the FBI.

He was released on bond the same day. His trial, along with that of co-defendant John Cortina, had been scheduled to begin Jan. 23.

01102017 - News Article - Judge agrees to move sheriff's trial to April

Judge agrees to move sheriff's trial to April

Post-Tribune

January 10, 2017

chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-buncich-trial-delayed-st-0111-20170110-story.html

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to push back the trial of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich to April.

The sheriff, who was indicted in November on a series of corruption charges, was slated for his trial to begin Jan. 17, according to court documents, but Judge Paul Cherry consented to delaying the court proceeding until Buncich's defense team has had adequate time to prepare his defense and review information collected by federal authorities during their investigation.

Cherry, in his order, wrote that not moving the trial date would make it difficult for Buncich and his attorneys to prepare their case.

Buncich's attorney, Bryan Truitt, filed a motion last week in federal court that aimed to move the sheriff's trial from Jan. 17 to April, according to court documents, and cited the potential for needing to review "voluminous" material, including more than 45 CDs of audio and video recordings.

Truitt, in his motion, said that Buncich's defense team has yet to receive discovery material from federal authorities and would not be able to prepare for a January trial. Without being prepared, Buncich would not receive a fair trial, Truitt said.

"The government represents that the discovery is massive and the defense would not be able to sort through it all by Jan. 17, 2017, even if the same were received today," Truitt wrote.

Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records. All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

The sheriff, whose department was in charge of deciding which companies were called for towing services, and the chief allegedly steered business toward towing operators in exchange for cash and checks, the U.S. attorney alleged in a 14-page indictment. Buncich allegedly took more than $25,000 in cash bribes and $7,000 in checks from Szarmach and another towing operator identified as "Individual A," according to the indictment.

Buncich and Szarmach pleaded not guilty during their initial appearances in November.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit bribes from tow truck operators for favorable treatment. In addition, Downs, in the agreement, said he submitted his resignation from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

01102017 - News Article - Tow operations control shifted to Lake commissioners

Tow operations control shifted to Lake commissioners

Post-Tribune

January 10, 2017

chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-lake-county-towing-ordinance-20170110-story

The Lake County Commissioners now are responsible for the county's towing contracts.

The Lake County Council on Tuesday approved in first and second readings two ordinances that transfer control over the county's towing contracts to the commissioners and a second that eliminates the Sheriff Department's non-reverting tow and franchise fee fund, redirecting towing money the general fund.

Officials moved to strip responsibility of the towing contracts from Sheriff John Buncich in the wake of a towing scandal alleging bribes and misappropriation of funds.

Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records. All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

The sheriff, whose department was in charge of deciding which companies were called for towing services, and the chief allegedly steered business toward towing operators in exchange for cash and checks, the U.S. attorney alleged in a 14-page indictment. Buncich allegedly took more than $25,000 in cash bribes and $7,000 in checks from Szarmach and another towing operator identified as "Individual A," according to the indictment.

Buncich and Szarmach pleaded not guilty during their initial appearances in November.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit brides from tow truck operators for favorable treatment.

Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, said residents deserve to know county officials are working to improve transparency regarding the county's towing program. By stripping the program from the sheriff's department and placing control of towing contracts with commissioners, there will be more oversight.

"Now we will have three people looking at this," Dernulc said.

Council President Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, said the sheriff's department now will have to move the two staff positions and other bills paid from the non-reverting tow and franchise fee fund to the general fund to clean up the accounting. While the transition is underway, the positions paid through the fund will continue to be paid.

Resident Joe Hero questioned the oversight of the program once it is switched to the commissioners, saying without increased controls the county is setting itself up for additional trouble.

Prior to Tuesday's ordinance passing, the Sheriff's Department collected the money from towing operations and accounted for the details of the funds received, according to Lake County Auditor John Petalas. The Auditor's Office received the checks from the Sheriff's Department, according to Petalas, but didn't get any detail on what those funds were for.

Leading up to the annual audit, Petalas said the funds processed by the county would need to match with what the Sheriff's Department recorded.

Hero said the county should add language to the ordinance to provide better accounting for where the money from towing operations comes from and who is responsible for collecting those funds.

"I think that's a mistake to leave that up in the air," Hero said.