Indiana attorney general holds event amid inappropriate touching allegations
FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) – News cameras from WISH-TV caught up with embattled Attorney General Curtis Hill on Tuesday at his office’s drug take-back event.
Four women have accused Hill of inappropriately touching them, and state leaders have called on him to resign. He was asked point-blank during the event about the allegations swirling around him.
“Are you going to resign … the allegations … speak to those,” News 8 reporter David Williams asked.
Hill replied, “We’re here to talk about our program today. All those things are being handled.”
Williams then asked if there was anything he wants to say about the allegations.
“No sir,” Hill replied.
Hill was asked if he is going to resign.
Hill said, “We’re here to talk about our drug program, but thanks for coming out.”
Hill is accused of inappropriately touching at a bar in Indianapolis during a March 15 legislative end-of-session party. In recent weeks, three of the four women have come forward publicly: Democratic State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, Senate Democrats spokeperson Gabrielle McLemore and Niki DaSilva, who works for the Senate Republican Caucus.
Hill has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, calling them “false and vicious” and demanding “due process.”
But, late last week, his lawyers filed court documents calling into question the authority of the inspector general to investigate the claims. According to those court documents, Hill claims the appointment of a special prosecutor is “premature” because criminal allegations have not been filed with law enforcement.
Hill has rebuked calls for his resignation from people in both political parties. They include Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Holcomb was asked Tuesday for his thoughts on Sunday’s call by Rep. Ed DeLaney, a Democrat from Indianapolis, and other legislators for Hill to be impeached.
Holcomb said, “My thoughts are it’s with the inspector general. She’ll get assistance from a special prosecutor, but I’ll have no further comment on this. She’s going to conduct an independent review of this and it will be fair and it will be full, then we’ll all see where to go next.”
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.