Indiana House Oks measure to replace jailed councilman

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana House of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow East Chicago officials to temporarily replace a jailed councilman without removing him from office.

According to The Times in Munster, the House on Thursday passed the bill to allow replacement of Councilman Robert Battle on a 92-0 vote.

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.

The City Council could dismiss the 42-year-old Battle with a two-thirds vote but has been reluctant to do so. The council instead has asked state lawmakers for another option.