Prosecutors unhappy with Oxley ruling

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Former Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Dennie Oxley has surrendered to authorities. He had his initial court hearing Thursday morning in Marion County.

A judge ordered Oxley to pay a $500 fine and submit to alcohol testing two times a week -- which didn't thrill prosecutors.

"This defendant, Mr. Oxley, should not be treated differently than any other citizen and he should've been taken into custody and posted bond," said Marion County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Wyser.

Attorneys debated over why Oxley didn't turn himself in on a warrant as promised Wednesday. His attorney blamed the media.

"Clearly, the media was alerted. Clearly, it was gonna be a media scrum. It was my view that that should be avoided," said Oxley's attorney, Rick Kammen.

Oxley is charged with public intoxication and impersonating a public servant.

Last Friday morning, metro police found him with a 21-year-old woman, both reportedly drunk at a downtown gas station. The woman was lying face down. Oxley, reportedly carrying high-heel shoes, told police he was not with the woman and claimed immunity from possible arrest, saying he was a state lawmaker in the General Assembly. Police discovered his father -- also named Dennie Oxley -- is the actual lawmaker.

While in the courtroom, Oxley told 24-Hour News 8 he had no comment regarding the charges.

Citing a separate DUI arrest in Crawford County, prosecutors wanted Oxley held on bond arguing he's a community threat.

"I do think that poses a risk to this community. It certainly posed a risk to that individual as well as a potential risk to all individuals," said Wyser.

Oxley's attorney said there are two sides to every story.

"The full story of this will be aired out in court...when the public sees the full story," Kammen said.

The 21-year-old woman found with Oxley is apparently a Statehouse intern and is reportedly OK and back at home in South Bend.

Authorities said the DUI case against Oxley is still pending in Crawford County.

His next court date is a pre-trial conference set for August 6 at 8:30 a.m.