Grand jury says no to indictments (12/20/06)

A grand jury called to consider two alleged incidents involving ghost employment of city of Portland employees declined to hand up indictments in the cases.

The alleged incidents included mandatory attendance of city employees at calling and services for the late clerk-treasurer and alleged work done by city employees for a private company.

Jay County Prosecutor Brad Burkett said Tuesday and this morning that jurors declined to indict Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier and Street Superintendent Jeff Harker.

Both alleged incidents were considered together.

The grand jury session, which included testimony and deliberation, was wrapped up Tuesday.

Hosier said in a statement faxed this morning that the decision of the grand jury "showed my actions were sincere and appropriate in honoring and showing respect for a long-time public servant and friend of the community."

Indiana State Police had conducted investigations into both alleged incidents and provided a list of witnesses to Burkett.

Participants in grand jury proceedings - including witnesses and attorneys - are bound by secrecy regarding testimony.

Burkett declined to discuss the nature or length of testimony, saying he was permitted only to talk about the general target of the grand jury.

The issue of attendance at services for Barbara Blackford was raised by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, which cited possible ghost employment in an audit report on 2005 activities by the city of Portland.

The other incident was raised in an anonymous letter to Burkett.[[In-content Ad]]