December 26th 2024.
The Calumet Township office has been going through some major leadership changes recently. This will continue into the new year, following the resignation of former Trustee Kim Robinson. Robinson pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges and made the decision to step down from her position. This unexpected turn of events has caused quite a stir in the community.
In light of these developments, Gary Councilman Darren Washington, from the At Large district, has announced his intention to run for the position of Calumet Township Trustee. When asked for further comment, Washington declined, but did state that he is very interested in the role. Meanwhile, Gary Council President Tai Adkins, from the 4th district, emphasized the importance of the trustee role in their community. She revealed that many people have asked her to consider running, but she has yet to make a decision. Adkins stated that she will discuss the matter with her family and colleagues before making an official statement at the appropriate time.
Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wieser has not received any calls from potential candidates for the trustee position. However, he stated that the official notice for the election caucus will be posted early next week. The caucus is tentatively scheduled for January 16th at 6pm, but a location is still to be confirmed. Interested individuals have until January 13th, 6pm to apply for candidacy.
Wieser also mentioned that if an elected official is chosen as the new trustee, another caucus will be held to fill the resulting vacancy. He expressed his desire for the next Calumet Township trustee to be someone with a strong commitment to public service and a background in finance. "First and foremost, we want someone who truly cares about serving the community," he said.
In the meantime, Dayna Bennett has been sworn in as the interim trustee until the election caucus. She took over on Monday, the same day Robinson entered her guilty plea. According to administrative assistant Sandi Cogan, Bennett will serve until the elected trustee takes office.
Robinson's guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Hammond has caused quite a stir. She admitted to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors alleged that she misused $11,200 of township funds to pay for her rent in Gary. As part of her plea deal, Robinson resigned from her position on December 20th. If the plea deal is accepted by the judge, she will serve one year of probation, repay the misused funds, and pay a fine of $8,700. She has already posted a $20,000 bond.
In a statement to the Post-Tribune on Sunday, Robinson expressed her gratitude to her constituents for their support during her time in office. Though she did not give a reason for her resignation, she stated that it was important for her to issue a statement as there may be information related to it. "As I step away from this role, I remain hopeful for our township's future," she said. "I am leaving the township's operating fund in good standing, with a rainy-day fund of over $2 million. I also have full confidence in the leadership that will follow me, and I fully support the process of selecting a new trustee who will continue our mission of progress and community service."
Robinson is now the third consecutive Calumet Township Trustee to face federal charges. She was elected in 2014 after defeating former Trustee Mary Elgin in the primary. However, her victory was overshadowed by an FBI and IRS investigation into the office. Robinson's background includes previous positions as a Gary City Probation officer, a Gary Councilwoman for the 5th District, and a member of the Lake County Treasurer's Office.
In 2014, Elgin, her son Steven Hunter, and former township employees Ethel Shelton and Alex Wheeler were indicted for conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, honest service wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion. Prosecutors alleged that they used township employees and resources for political campaigns and fundraising events. Elgin was sentenced to a year and a day in prison in 2018, followed by one year of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the trustee's office and the IRS.
In 2007, Dozier Allen, who had served as trustee for 32 years, was indicted on charges of steering $120,000 of grant money to himself and three employees. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison. This was five years after he lost the election to Elgin.
Overall, the Calumet Township office has been through a tumultuous few years, with three consecutive trustees facing federal charges. However, the community remains hopeful for the future and is actively involved in the selection process for the next trustee.
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