Sheriff needs more time to prepare bribery case
NWI Times
Updated Jan 13, 2017
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.
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