Indy lawyer pleads guilty in bank fraud

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis attorney has pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge stemming from a real estate deal with connections to former Marion County prosecutor Carl Brizzi.

Paul Page, 47, entered the plea in federal court in South Bend on Friday, admitting to playing a role in a fraudulent deal to buy a building in Elkhart and lease it to the state’s Department of Child Services.

Page pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. The other 13 charges filed against him in connection with the case will be dropped in exchange for the plea.

The deal could also provide prosecutors with additional information on the case, and on other cases. Multiple sources have told 24-Hour News 8 that a federal probe of Brizzi is already underway.

Inside court documents filed in connection with the agreement Friday, Page says “I have reached a Cooperation Agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana in regards to matters [it] is investigating.”

Page’s attorney tells 24-Hour News 8 that his client will be providing information to prosecutors related to “ongoing” investigations in Indianapolis.

“It's a connected investigation, totally involving other people. It doesn't touch the other two people who are charged in South Bend. And, if indeed there is an indictment here in Indianapolis, Mr. Page has agreed to continue to cooperate in that matter, including testifying, which was all brought out in court today”, said attorney Bob Hammerle.

Tim Horty, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said he couldn’t comment on the details of that ongoing investigation, other than to say that “the plea agreement speaks for itself.”

Brizzi had an ownership stake in the Elkhart building, but he was not charged. Reached by 24-Hour News 8 Friday, Brizzi said he couldn’t comment on Page’s plea, but said he did nothing illegal.

Hammerle said he can’t comment on any potential investigation into Brizzi or others, but did offer the former prosecutor some “friendly advice.”

“If Carl Brizzi were to call me and say--look--do not tell me what you know. I can't. But, [if he asked] do I need a lawyer that knows what he's doing in your area? I'd say--don't be an idiot. Go get one now,” Hammerle said.

He also claims his client was not the mastermind of the Elkhart building deal.

“The way Paul was named by other people in this gave you an idea who possessed the straw that stirred the drink. It wasn't Paul. That's not to excuse what he did. But, he had the courage to stand up there and admit his wrongdoing,” Hammerle said.

Two other defendants indicted in the case--John M. Bales of Indianapolis and William E. Spencer of Carmel--have pleaded not guilty in the case.

Bales’ attorney, Larry Mackey, said he could not comment on Page’s plea agreement either, but that his client was prepared to go to trial on January 28.

Page’s sentencing is set for April 12 in South Bend, but Hammerle said it is possible the date could be moved. Page could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but Hammerle says he will ask the judge for probation or home detention.