Crusader staff report
A special prosecutor On Oct. 23, announced that no charges would be filed against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.
A state lawmaker and three legislative staffers claim that Hill sexually harassed and groped them last March at a private party in a bar in downtown Indianapolis.
Although the suspected behavior and comments may be disturbing, rude, and inappropriate, “Did a crime occur and could it be proven?” Special Prosecutor Dan Sigler told reporters. “I decided there is no crime that could be proven.”
Sigler said while the accusations were credible, he could not establish a burden of proof. Sigler said there was “insufficient evidence of Hill’s intent to touch the victims in a rude, insolent or angry manner to constitute a battery, and a lack of evidence of force with respect to the statutory requirements of sexual battery.”
Sigler said he could not see the benefit to the people of Indiana in prosecuting Hill since his findings did not show elements needed to support a battery or sexual battery conviction. Additionally, he said his job is not to determine whether Hill acted inappropriately, but if criminal acts took place.
“I did take their statements from the perspective that I believe them,” Sigler said. “I did find them credible.”
Sigler did not personally speak to Hill, but did receive a video statement from the attorney general.
“There was no denial that there was touching. There was no denial.” Sigler said “There is disagreement as to the extent of it.”
Meanwhile, Hill said he has no plans to resign, despite calls from the state’s top Republicans’.
At the event in Fort Wayne on Friday, October 26, Hill was asked about the pending litigation from four women who previously accused him of sexual misconduct.
“What other people do about it is their business,” Hill said. “I’m the attorney general, and I’m going about my business. I was placed in office by a fair number of people who support me and believe in me and the things that we’re doing, and we’re going to keep doing them.”
All four women, State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon (D-Munster), Gabrielle Mclemore, communications director for State Senate Democrats, Niki DaSilva, legislative assistant for Senate Republicans, and Samanta Lozano, legislative assistant for House Democrats, say they want changes in the Indiana Statehouse and beyond.
