Court upholds former pastor’s fraud sentence
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a 54-year sentence for a 67-year-old former pastor convicted of pocketing millions of dollars that investors believed would be used to build churches.
Courts
Articles
Small claims court could move from City-County Building
Citing budget cuts and a rent increase, Center Township Trustee Eugene Akers wants to move the small claims court into the Julia Carson Government Center, against the judge’s wishes.
Former City-County Councilor Plowman found guilty
Former City County Councilor Lincoln Plowman, found guilty Thursday afternoon of federal bribery and attempted extortion charges, will await sentencing on home detention.
Judge approves legal fees in Fair Finance case
The amount paid to lawyers so far nearly accounts for the entire $1.8 million that a Fair Finance trustee has recovered so far for investors of the Akron, Ohio-based company led by indicted financier Tim Durham.
Judge denies ex-Countrymark CEO’s release from prison
David Swanson had requested to be let out of prison until an appeals court hears his case for early release later this month. He’s serving a 12-year sentence for wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
State lawyer calls IBM bid to depose Daniels ‘meritless’
If Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels can promote his book and lead a motorcycle tour, he isn't too busy to testify about his decision to cancel a contract with IBM Corp. to automate welfare applications, the technology giant contends in a court filing.
Former real estate exec to plead guilty to wire fraud
Kim Hutchinson, former treasurer of J. Greg Allen Builders and Princeton Homes, agreed to plead guilty to stealing $446,419. Her cooperation likely will result in a lighter sentence of 30 to 40 months.
Ex-Countrymark CEO again seeking early release
David Swanson, who is serving a 12-year sentence for wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, has succeeded in getting a federal appeals court to hear his case for early release.
Durham follows magistrate’s order, moves from sister’s house
Indicted financier Tim Durham is living in an undisclosed residence in the downtown area after a federal magistrate rejected his request to move back into his 20,000-square-foot mansion.
Witness: Simons were happy about nanny’s pregnancy
A household employee of Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and his wife said they were happy when they learned their nanny was pregnant, even though the nanny claims she was fired over the pregnancy.
Lawyers submit big bill in Fair Finance case
Most of the $1.8 million that Fair Finance trustee Brian Bash has recovered so far could go to attorneys and accountants working on the massive fraud case involving Indianapolis financier Tim Durham.
Former flight management firm owner pleads guilty to fraud
David A. Chaisson is one of two men charged in separate schemes to defraud Ryan International Airlines. Prosecutors say the schemes involved kickback payments in exchange for business.
Contractor wins $14.5M judgment against State Farm
A Hamilton County jury sided with Joseph Radcliff in his lengthy legal battle with the insurer following a 2006 hailstorm that caused severe damage in central Indiana. State Farm accused Radcliff of fraud.
High court bars massive sex bias case against Wal-Mart
The Supreme Court blocked the largest sex-discrimination lawsuit in U.S. history on Monday, siding with Wal-Mart and against up to 1.6 million female workers in a decision that also makes it harder to mount large-scale bias claims against the nation's other huge companies.
New Indiana public defender appointed by state court
The Indiana Supreme Court said Thursday it has appointed Stephen Owens as the state's top public defender, replacing Susan K. Carpenter, who retired in May after nearly 30 years in office.
Roche wins as high court limits university patent rights
Monday's Supreme Court decision is a victory for companies that collaborate with universities in research. Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. was among the companies that supported Roche.
Ex-Countrymark CEO’s bid to reduce sentence denied
David Swanson had asked a federal judge to vacate or reduce his 12-year prison sentence stemming from his 2002 conviction for wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
Attorney general wants new hearing on police entry ruling
Attorney General Greg Zoeller says he supports asking the state Supreme Court to revisit its recent ruling that found people don't have the right to resist police officers who enter their homes illegally.
Judge: Governor doesn’t have to testify in IBM case
Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer has ruled that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels doesn’t have to testify about his involvement in the cancelled multimillion dollar IBM contract to modernize the state’s welfare system.
Judge orders Indiana recount chief into court
A judge Monday ordered the head of the Indiana Recount Commission to appear before him this week to explain why the panel has not moved more quickly in considering whether Republican Secretary of State Charlie White was a valid candidate when he won election last fall.