Sheriff fires back at federal prosecutor over gun
NWI Times
Feb 6, 2017
CROWN POINT — Lake County Sheriff John Buncich says he doesn't need a holster to be packing.
A lawyer for Lake County's top law enforcement officer told a U.S. District Court judge Monday that Buncich has been carrying a concealed weapon in the past and needs his guns back now.
Buncich is pleading not guilty and awaiting trial on felony fraud and bribery charges alleging he solicited and received campaign contributions from towing firms seeking business from county police.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul R. Cherry required Buncich Nov. 18 to surrender his firearms and passport as a condition of releasing Buncich on bond.
Bryan M. Truitt, who recently took over Buncich's defense, said Buncich's previous attorney didn't object to the condition of bond at the time. Truitt made a request for the guns late last month, arguing Buncich needs them to carry out his employment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Benson, who is opposing the weapons' return, stated to the court last week that federal investigators kept Buncich under observation for nearly three years and never saw Buncich carrying a firearm.
Truitt responded Monday in a court filing, "Buncich wore a firearm continually throughout his service as sheriff. He kept a gun in his pocket as well as his sock."
Truitt argues the government is trying to intimidate Buncich, "because Buncich won’t plead guilty. He won’t plead guilty because he is not, in fact, guilty of anything."
The court has yet to rule on Buncich's firearms request.
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