Prosecutor rips effort to scuttle Indiana AG investigation

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) — A prosecutor has ripped Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s attempt to scuttle an investigation into groping allegations made against him, saying it contains “dubious” reasoning and “fatal” legal flaws.

• Read the court filing from Hill’s lawyers
• Read the full court response from the Marion County prosecutor 

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said in court papers filed Thursday that Hill’s argument that neither the state inspector general nor a special prosecutor can investigate him was “plainly wrong.”

Three women have accused Hill of groping them at a party in March. He denies the allegations.

Indiana’s inspector general is investigating, but Hill says that office lacks the authority. Instead, he called on Curry to investigate.

Hill’s office is representing Marion County in two pending civil cases, creating a conflict of interest. So Curry requested a special prosecutor, which Hill objects to.

Timeline

March 15: A legislative end-of-session party occurs at a downtown Indianapolis bar, AJ’s Lounge, 1118 S. Meridian St.

May 14: The state’s top four legislative leaders are made aware of concerns regarding Attorney General Curtis Hill’s conduct at the party.

May 15, 16 and 17: Five legislative employees who made the allegations are interviewed by various legislative personnel.

June 18: An Indianapolis lawyer, Blake J. Burgan, sends a report by email to the director of the Indiana Legislative Services Agency, George T. Angelone, to advise the General Assembly regarding an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct by Hill.

June 29: Hill learns about the investigation into concerns about his conduct at the party during a conference call with legislative leaders.

Monday, July 2: Hill meets with legislators about the allegations. He said he requested a copy of a “confidential” report about the allegation prepared by an Indianapolis lawyer, Blake J. Burgan.

IndyStar.com publishes an exclusive story on four women alleging Attorney General Curtis Hill inappropriately touched them at the March 15 party at an Indianapolis bar. 

The state’s top four legislative leaders say they had completed an investigation into concerns expressed by General Assembly employees about Hill’s conduct at the party.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, celebrating his anniversary in a remote area of Montana, says he will comment upon his return to Indianapolis late July 3.

Hill issues a statement calling the allegations “troubling” and denying any inappropriate behavior.

Tuesday, July 3: State Democratic Party leaders call for Hill’s resignation. 

Hill issues a statement: “The lack of due process in the prejudicial investigation is concerning.” He later issues another statement: “Let me be clear, I am not resigning my position as Attorney General.”

The Associated Press releases a copy of the “confidential” report. 

Thursday, July 5: Gov. Holcomb calls on Hill to resign. 

Friday, July 6: Indiana Inspector General Lori Torres says her office will conduct an investigation into the allegations.

State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, a Democrat from Munster, writes a column for The Northwest Indiana Times that details her being grabbed by Hill.

Hill reiterates in a statement from his office that he will not resign. 

Gabrielle McLemore, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Senate Democrats, writes a statement detailing Hill giving her a back rub.

July 9: Hill holds a news conference where he says that as both a prosecuting attorney and attorney general he has respected the rule and process of law afforded by the Constitution, but that he has not been given that same right.  

Reardon releases a statement saying Hill has “betrayed the public trust.”

Thursday, July 12: Niki DaSilva, who works for the Senate Republican Caucus, releases a statement about her experience with Hill. Hill responds and says the women’s “stories appear to be coordinated and changed under the direction of others.”

Saturday, July 14: Reps. Ed DeLaney of Indianapolis, Ryan Dvorak of South Bend, and Matt Pierce of Bloomington announce they will ask House Speaker Brian Bosma to investigate grounds for Hill’s impeachment. 

The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that lawyers for Hill have filed court papers challenging the appointment of a special prosecutor.