Feds continue Cantrell, drug center inquiry
Records of E.C. political insider's consulting work again under review
Post-Tribune (IN)
July 28, 2005
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Federal investigators have again requested documents about work political insider Robert Cantrell did for a Hammond drug addiction counseling center.
Nancy Fromm, head of Addiction and Family Care drug center, confirmed Wednesday she had complied with a written request from the U.S. Attorney's Office to supply records relating to consulting work Cantrell did for the business.
The business has drawn the interest of federal investigators since at least early 2004, because of Addiction and Family Care contracts with the North Township Trustee's Office, where Cantrell works.
"They asked for the same records they did last year, the ones about Bobby Cantrell, his work as a consultant for me," Fromm said.
The records request did not detail on what the investigation is focusing, nor did it request Fromm to appear before a grand jury, she said.
"I'm assuming it's the same thing as last time," Fromm said. "(Cantrell) has worked for me, helping me bring in clients, though not so much any more."
Cantrell could not be reached for comment.
A clerk at the East Chicago office of the North Township Trustee's office, where Cantrell works, said Wednesday that Cantrell was on vacation.
When federal agents took records from North Township Trustee Greg Cvitkovich's office last year, there was widespread speculation they were looking into contracts between the trustee's office and Addiction and Family Care.
Those contracts included taxpayer-funded massages for North Township employees on taxpayer time.
Though Addiction and Family Care has long been linked to Cantrell, Fromm lamented the impact the continuing investigations have had on the business.
"It definitely hammers at my business," she said. "We're just now getting back on our feet."
A secretary for Cvitkovich said Cvitkovich had no comment about the federal investigation.
Fromm has been at the center of other federal inquiries.
Former Schererville Town Judge Deborah A. Riga awaits trial on charges she extorted money from Fromm for addiction counseling services Fromm offered through Riga's court.
"This time, (federal authorities) didn't ask for any records having to do with Riga, obviously," Fromm said.
"They asked for the same records they did last year, the ones about Bobby Cantrell, his work as a consultant for me."
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