07022004 - News Article - Court probe quietly continues - SHERERVILLE: Investigators have looked at computers, records but haven't filed charges - ROBERT CANTRELL

Court probe quietly continues
SHERERVILLE: Investigators have looked at computers, records but haven't filed charges
NWI Times
Jul 2, 2004
nwitimes.com/news/local/court-probe-quietly-continues/article_ba882283-6639-510c-8581-8e56e21fad5b.html
SCHERERVILLE -- Investigators remain tight-lipped regarding a probe into allegations of public corruption and vote fraud in Schererville.

Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter said Wednesday the task force continues to function, and he is not at liberty to discuss the focus of the investigation.

"If wrong-doing is found, there will be actions taken but at this point the investigation continues," he said.

A special task force is said to be looking at voter fraud issues in the town and the operation of the Town Court under former Judge Deborah Riga from 1999 to 2003.

The FBI continues to compile information from the Schererville Town Court, most recently subpoenaing case files.

Kenneth Anderson, who became judge in January, said the FBI identified some additional files and then subpoenaed those files.

"I didn't look at them," he said. "I know that we made copies of them so we could move forward with pending cases."

Earlier this year, the task force asked that Anderson close the office for two months while they removed seven computers, 2003 accounting books and other information as they conducted the investigation. Investigators also recommended that Anderson review the operation of model courts in nearby communities. The computers were eventually returned and the office has been up and running since March 1.

"I don't know what is going on. They don't tell me anything," Anderson said. "All of the computers are back. The staff is wonderful. We're doing fine."

Town officials have not received any word on the investigation.

Councilman Steve Kil, D-1st, said nothing has been reported to the town.

"As far as I know the investigation is still under way," he said.