Whiting Mayor Resigns; Caucus to Fill Mayoral Vacancy

Joe Stahura has served as the mayor of Whiting since 2004. (photo courtesy: The Times of Northwest Indiana)

After more than three decades in city politics, Whiting Mayor Joseph Stahura has resigned, amid federal corruption charges.

Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the announcement was made Tuesday during a city council meeting.

City Attorney Denise Sejna said, “I just wanted to advise the council that Mayor Joseph Stahura has tendered his resignation as mayor of the city of Whiting to the clerk of the Lake Circuit Court.”

The move comes less than a week since Stahura entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office after being accused of illegally using campaign funds for personal benefit.

The publication reports Stahura is scheduled to plead guilty in U.S. District Court in Hammond to the charges.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch charged Stahura last week with wire fraud and filing a false tax statement.

The Times report the charges carry a statutory maximum penalty of no more than 20 years imprisonment, but the U.S. Attorney has agreed to recommend leniency in return for Stahura’s cooperation.

The mayoral seat will be filled by a caucus of the city’s Democratic precinct committee members, which is likely to occur within the next 30 days.

The newspaper said City Council President Chris Sarvanidis assumes the duties of mayor until the position is filled by the caucus.