Suspension Recommended for Indiana Attorney General
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA hearing officer has recommended Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill be suspended for 60 days after several women accused Hill of inappropriate sexual contact in 2018.
The recommendation came after a four-day hearing in October where Hill defended himself of any wrongdoing. A disciplinary commission in December recommended the Indiana Supreme Court suspend the law license of the state’s attorney general for two years over allegations he drunkenly groped four women at a bar in an act of professional misconduct.
Hill, 58, has disputed the claims from a legislator and three legislative staffers that he inappropriately touched their backs or buttocks during a party celebrating the end of the legislative session in March 2018.
The women — Gabrielle Brock, a Senate Democratic staff member; Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster; Democratic House staffer Samantha Lozano; and Niki DaSilva, a former Republican Senate aide — testified at the October hearing.
In a document filed in the case, the hearing officer’s conclusions said, “Respondent’s conduct was offensive, invasive, damaging and embarrassing to Brock, Reardon, Lozano and DaSilva. As Attorney General, he used his state office staff and others to engage in public campaign to defend himself and intimidate the complainants. Based on all of the foregoing, the Hearing Officer recommends sanction of sixty (60) day suspension without automatic reinstatement.”
Parties involved in the case will now have 30 days to file responses to the hearing officer’s recommendation and, if that happens, a final ruling could be delayed for weeks as parties reply to those responses.
Once responses and replies are filed, the Supreme Court will consider the matter. The justices would determine what, if any, misconduct occurred and what, if any, sanction is appropriate.
Hill took office in 2017. He announced in November that he will run for reelection this year.
Hill is represented in the case by Donald R. Lundberg and James H. Voyles Jr.