In a previous court setting, Special Judge Jerome Frese rejected the plea agreement and asked for Special Prosecutor Michael Krebes and Defense Attorney Todd Wallsmith to come back with an amended plea agreement that reflects a change in length of sentence. Miller had pleaded guilty to three counts of Theft as Class D felonies.
A special prosecutor has been appointed in the case between the State of Indiana and Connie Miller, the former clerk-treasurer for the town of North Judson.
Starke County Prosecutor Nick Bourff requested a special prosecutor be appointed to the case because he felt it would be difficult to avoid the appearance of impropriety if the charging decision in the case was up to him, because he was the acting legal counsel for the town of North Judson during the year 2010. He said that due to the attorney-client relationship that existed between him and Miller during that time, the decision on whether or not to prosecute based on the Indiana State Board of Accounts Special Report causes a conflict.
Starke County Prosecutor Nicolas Bourff has confirmed that he has received a State Board of Accounts special report for the town of North Judson. The report covers the period of time between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011.
In the summary of the report, the field examiners who worked on the audit identified financial discrepancies totaling $74,408.67.
The largest discrepancy was in the cemetery lot sales category. Based on the information posted in the cemetery book, and the confirmations that were returned with receipts, the examiners determined that $40,350 was collected for cemetery lots sales but that amount was not receipted to the records. Former Clerk-Treasurer Connie Miller was requested to reimburse the town for this amount, and it was also noted that Miller required cash payments for the cemetery lot sales.
The North Judson Town Board heard a presentation from Clerk-Treasurer, Connie Miller, about a 50/50 sidewalk program. The Clerk presented ordinances and other papers to the Board members for their consideration. It is a new program for the town and it mirrors the program in Knox where the property owner submits their project to the Board, the Utility Superintendent inspects the site and determines whether or not the applicant’s project is acceptable. The homeowner would pay for half the project and the Town would pay for the other half. The discussion was tabled until the April 18th meeting so the Attorney and the Board members can decide how to move forward.
The North Judson Town Board reorganized at its meeting on Monday night. Dan Anderson was retained as the Town Board President and Utility Superintendent, Cassandra Hines was appointed as the Town Attorney, Doug Vessely was retained as Town Marshal, and Steve Ransom was retained as the Building Inspector.
North Judson Clerk-Treasurer, Connie Miller, informed WKVI that a water leak has been detected off Sheridan Street between Laurel and Cherry Streets. The Street Department is currently working on correcting the issue. If any residents experience discolored water, let the water run for a little while until it clears up.
The North Town Board approved the second reading of an ordinance that prohibits the sale of synthetic marijuana during its meeting Monday night. A Public Hearing concerning this ordinance will be held on Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. CT at the North Judson Civic Center. A third and final reading will be approved during the Board’s regular meeting that evening at 6:30 p.m. CT.
