Sentence announced in bribery case
(Indianapolis) – Former city county council member and IMPD major Lincoln Plowman, convicted earlier this year of bribery and attempted extortion learned his punishment Thursday. He will spend 40 months in prison and serve three years of supervised release for his crimes. Plowman was accused of seeking $5000 for himself and a $1000 political contribution in exchange for using his position to help open a downtown strip club. Plowman had faced a maximum 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Prosecutors were seeking a jail term of 6 ½ years.
9-11 calls reveal more information at fair stage collapse
(Indianapolis)- Indiana State Fair workers were warned about five minutes before the stage collapsed August 13th that severe weather was headed to the fairgrounds. WTHR-TV reports Marion County dispatch workers were concerned about the possibility of a disaster, which happened just before country duo Sugarland was to take the stage. Seven people were killed and dozens of others were hurt. No mandatory evacuation was ordered by the State Fair, but an announcement was made telling fans about the severe weather and letting them know where they could seek shelter if they desired.
Investigation continues in fatal shooting
(Indianapolis) – Police have more questions to ask in the fatal shooting of an Indianapolis man. Joseph Clark, 26, was found dead in a vehicle parked at the BP gas station at 38th and High School Road early Thursday morning. Authorities have questioned four individuals they think have some knowledge about the shooting, but no arrests have been made so far.
Prostitution arrests made involving a minor
(Johnson County) – An 81-year-old man was arrested Thursday after a 15-year-old girl told police her relative paid the man to have sex with her. The teen alleges April Jean Preston, 38, took her to Paul Hewitt’s home last June. It was there that Preston paid Hewitt after the teen performed sex acts on him. Afterwards the victim says she was forced to watch Preston and Hewitt engage in sexual activity. Hewitt has been charged with sexual misconduct with a minor. Preston was arrested on charges of aiding in the commission of sexual misconduct with a minor and promoting prostitution.
More alleged molestation victims coming forward
(Frankton)- More alleged victims are alerting police with incidents of child molestation case involving a wrestling coach. Clinton Couch, 28, is accused of taking naked pictures of a 13-year-old boy and molesting him more than 10 times. Couch is currently facing five counts of child molestation and ten counts of possessing child pornography.
Beating victim left in the cold
(Muncie) – A man has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery after allegedly beating a man Thursday. According to police reports, Brent Gilliam, 21, beat Clayton Ball, 27, over a mutual female acquaintance. Gilliam reportedly left Ball’s body outside for hours before dragging Ball back inside before calling for emergency personnel. Ball was last listed in critical condition at Methodist Hospital.
Legislators calling for drug tests for assistance recipients
(Indianapolis) – The measure has been introduced in Missouri and Florida; now Indiana is next. Senators Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg and Representative Heath VanNetter, R-Kokomo want welfare recipients to take drug tests before receiving government benefits, saying taxpayer money should not support welfare recipients who abuse drugs. The two plan to present their idea when lawmakers return to begin the 2012 session on January 4. The American Civil Liberties Union calls the measure a violation of the Constitution’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
Big Ten action begins this weekend
(Indianapolis)- It’s Michigan State versus Wisconsin tomorrow night in Indianapolis in the inaugural Big Ten football championship game. The Spartans won the Big Ten Legends Division with a 7-1 conference record, while Wisconsin captured the Leaders Division at 6-2. Both teams are 10-2 overall, and MSU beat Wisconsin in the regular season. Game time at Lucas Oil Stadium is 8:17 p.m.
