Indiana sheriff seeks removal of jailed councilman

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) – The Lake County sheriff is asking the county’s 12 state lawmakers to amend a state law to temporarily replace or remove East Chicago Councilman Robert Battle from office.

Battle is being held without bond in the Porter County Jail on federal murder and drug charges. The (Munster) Times reports that the 42-year-old is accused of fatally shooting alleged Two Six gang member Reimundo Camarillo Jr. on Oct. 12 after Camarillo confronted Battle about cooperating with a drug investigation.

Voters re-elected Battle in November and he was recently sworn in while behind bars.

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said in a letter to lawmakers that Battle shouldn’t be allowed to remain in his position with full pay while he’s incarcerated.

East Chicago City Council members made $42,356 annually in 2014.

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