Lawmaker’s plan could allow for replacing jailed councilman

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. (AP) – An Indiana state representative is set to propose a new option for East Chicago officials to replace a jailed councilman without having to remove him from office.

The (Munster) Times reports Democratic Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary is expected Monday to propose changing a Senate bill to establish a process for declaring a City Council member “disabled” if continuously incarcerated for 90 days or more.

East Chicago City Council member Robert Battle has been held without bond in jail since November after pleading not guilty to federal drug and homicide charges in connection with the killing of Reimundo Camarillo Jr.

Under Brown’s plan, the City Council can declare Battle disabled and a temporary replacement would be picked. If Battle is acquitted, he could regain his office under the plan.