Prosecutor Won’t Pursue “Vindictive” Allegations

Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Aaron Negangard

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Aaron Negangard said Tuesday his office will not be taking any further action on allegations raised by former Lawrenceburg city councilman Doug Taylor.

Last week, Taylor delivered a letter to the prosecutor’s office detailing what he perceived as wrongdoing by several city leaders including Mayor Dennis Carr. Taylor alleged that past and present Lawrenceburg elected officials were using Lawrenceburg’s finances – which include millions of dollars in casino gaming revenue – “as their own personal piggy bank.” He also accused the prosecutor of protecting those officials from prosecution.

On Monday, Taylor’s letter of resignation from Lawrenceburg City Council was unanimously accepted by the remaining council members. In it, Taylor said the resignation was a condition of pleading guilty to pending criminal charges against him. The former Lawrenceburg Police officer was charged with felony Official Misconduct and Ghost Employment in 2011 after appearing at a campaign event in his uniform.

Both letters – the resignation and the allegations – were dated March 14. Taylor's letter to the prosecutor made no mention of his resignation.

Negangard issued a press release Tuesday morning acknowledging he received Taylor’s letter.

“I have also been advised by independent Special Prosecutor Dan Sigler that this letter was filed only after Mr. Taylor signed an agreement resolving the criminal case against him,” Negangard said, noting that Taylor’s plea agreement included resigning from council on March 13.

“Special Prosecutor Sigler also advised that at no time prior to the resolution of the case did Mr. Taylor ever mention or report these allegations to the independent Special Prosecutor,” said Negangard.

The prosecutor said his office will not waste any taxpayer money by taking further action at this time.

“Based on the timing of the correspondence, the fact that Mr. Taylor has confessed to criminal activity while employed as a police officer, and the manner in which these alleged criminal acts were reported it is clear that Mr. Taylor is acting vindictively and not motivated by justice,” Negangard stated.

Taylor’s letter to Negangard was also copied to the FBI, Indiana State Police, the Indiana Attorney General, and others. Negangard said if those agencies subsequently present his office with a report alleging criminal activity on the part of any individual it will be dealt with accordingly.

LINKS:

L'burg Councilman Taylor Resigns

Parking Company Responds To L'burg Councilman

L’burg Councilman Accuses City Of Wrongdoing

Prosecutor Fires Back At Councilman’s Allegations