Government's reply to accused sheriff is disarming
NWI Times
Feb 3, 2017
HAMMOND — Federal prosecutors want to keep Lake County's top cop unarmed.
A defense attorney for Sheriff John Buncich petitioned a U.S. District Court judge last week for the return of the weapons he surrendered last year when he was charged with fraud and bribery.
The U.S. attorney's office responded Friday the sheriff hadn't been using a gun before his indictment and doesn't need one now.
A federal grand jury indicted Buncich Nov. 18 on felony fraud and bribery charges alleging he solicited and received campaign contributions from towing firms seeking business from county police.
Buncich is pleading not guilty and awaiting a trial, now scheduled to begin as early as April 10.
U.S. District Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry has released Buncich on bond under the condition he surrender any firearms and not possess while awaiting trial.
Bryan M. Truitt, who is defending Buncich, argued last week Buncich has served 40 years in law enforcement and has won election as sheriff four times since 1994, "needs his firearms to carry out his employment."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Benson said the government opposes their return.
"During the almost three-year investigation of this matter, at no time did agents ever observe Buncich carry a firearm on his person," he argues.
The judge has yet to rule on the request.
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