Comments on Advance Indiana™: Plowman Investigation Leaves Many Unanswered Questions

Let's not forget what Ballard did as one of hi...

2010-02-15T19:00:21.771-05:00

Let's not forget what Ballard did as one of his first acts of reorganizing IMPD after the council gave him control of it. He promoted Plowman to Major and put him in charge of Investigations. A few months later, Ballard removed Plowman from that position without any public comment. The media should have been asking questions then but it wasn't. Also, Plowman is no stranger to internal investigations. He was in charge of that area when Jack Cottey was sheriff.

Gary, I have to disagree with the idea that the re...

2010-02-15T17:39:34.681-05:00

Gary, I have to disagree with the idea that the reason for the investigation should be disclosed.

First, Plowman has a right to be judged by a jury of his peers if his case goes to trial, and any disclosure may taint that process. Yes, I know that in a republican form of gov't the people have a right to know what's up with their public officials, but the right to a fair trial -- when the accused faces the deprivation of liberty -- is more important, particularly since the details can come out after the trial, etc.

Second, as a prosecutor, I can already see Jim Voyles arguing to a jury, "From the first minute, the gov't focused in on Lincoln! They didn't look around to see what was really going on; they wanted to 'get him' come hell or high water! They even leaked news about their investigation to make the people turn against him!" That type of argument is tough to refute in a corruption case. The gov't is simultaneously attempting to prove that one gov't official (the defendant) is corrupt and that other ones (the investigators) are not.

Councilor Plowman, please either disclose to the c...

2010-02-15T14:50:14.508-05:00

Councilor Plowman, please either disclose to the citizens of Marion County, the nature of the ongoing criminal investigation of you, or step down, until it is completed.

Here's my opinion. I can hardly imagine a Cou...

2010-02-15T11:42:00.239-05:00

Here's my opinion.

I can hardly imagine a Councilman and police major not having some kind of personal lawyer.

Quick-hiring a lawyer with Mr. Voyles' reputation insinuates that where there is smoke, there is fire. And, Mr. Voyles seemingly is known for being able to deflect, deter and run interference with the best of them.

Saying he has done nothing illegal, doesn't necessarily cover anything shady, unethical or improper. Of course, around here there is plenty of that to go around without being charged with anything.

I think it's fair for someone to arrange to be...

2010-02-15T11:02:47.318-05:00

I think it's fair for someone to arrange to be represented by counsel before they are to be questioned by authorities.

In fact, my advice to anyone is NEVER, EVER, EVER do so without representation of counsel.

Is the mention of the Ballard administration just speculation or is there reason to believe a lone councilor being questioned in this case (or possibly dragged into something as part of a broader probe) is now connected with some other over-arching cover up conspiracy?

I know there are criticisms to be had of the Ballard administration (no more so than the Peterson though - perhaps fewer actually but the disappointment factor is higher for those on the same political side of the spectrum) but with what we know so far it seems a stretch to try and insinuate a connection here.

I haven't seen anything yet in this case that has outraged me. But, as AI rightly points out, we don't know much officially.

Now, the council's voting record of the past year ... that's another story. THAT was an outrage. ;-)

I can see both sides of this debate - but not for ...

2010-02-15T10:44:24.836-05:00

I can see both sides of this debate - but not for much longer. I don't know if it involves the FBI or 'just' IMPD - but they need to go full out with their investigation.

If Plowman got caught up in the Durham scandal, then we might have a very long wait.

Meanwhile, with the Kent Smith seat vacant, Plowman's vote becomes even more critical to push through any Republican party measures. Lets hope there are no close votes until the Plowman intrigue is open to the public for at least cursory review.

Maybe this explains why Councilor Bateman is suppo...

2010-02-15T09:19:19.690-05:00

Maybe this explains why Councilor Bateman is supporting Ron Gibson for mayor. According to your posting, they have something in common.

What else is new about this and official mis-condu...

2010-02-15T08:31:50.555-05:00

What else is new about this and official mis-conduct in Indiana?

White collar and public corruption in Indiana is just as strong a gangland as Chicago and Illinois.

State government is just as corrupt as the City and their friends.