December 22nd 2024.
On Friday, Calumet Township Trustee Kimberly Robinson made the decision to step down from her position, effective immediately. In a statement provided to the Post-Tribune on Sunday, Robinson expressed her gratitude to her constituents for their trust and support during her time in office. While she did not disclose the reason for her resignation, she felt it was important to address the matter as rumors may begin to circulate.
Sources have confirmed that Robinson is expected to enter a guilty plea in court on Monday. This news comes as a shock to many, as Robinson has been a dedicated public servant and has accomplished much during her tenure as trustee.
In her statement, Robinson shared her pride in the accomplishments she and her office have achieved together. One of their most recent successes was providing more school uniform vouchers to students in Calumet Township than ever before. Thanks to their efforts, over 3,000 students were equipped for the first day of school.
Robinson also expressed her optimism for the future of the township, despite her departure. She leaves the operating fund in a stable position, with a significant amount of cash reserves in a rainy-day fund. She has full confidence in the leadership that will follow her and fully supports the process of selecting a new trustee who will continue their mission of progress and community service.
Robinson's background as a former Gary City Probation officer and councilwoman for the city's 5th District from 2008 to 2014 made her a strong candidate for trustee. She was elected in 2014, despite facing challenges in the form of an FBI and IRS raid just two months prior, as reported by the Post-Tribune. She successfully navigated the office through the Town of Griffith's secession from Calumet Township and improved its financial state after years of mismanagement, according to the Indiana State Board of Accounts in 2019.
Sadly, Robinson's predecessor, Mary Elgin, was also convicted of public corruption charges. Elgin, who served as trustee from 2010 to 2014, pleaded guilty in 2018 and was sentenced to one year in prison and one year of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the trustee's office and the IRS. Elgin's son and former Calumet Township employee were also involved in the scheme and received sentences as well.
After her election, Robinson left her position as chief of staff for the Lake County treasurer's office to fully dedicate herself to her role as trustee. Her resignation is a surprise to many, as she seemed to be doing a commendable job in her position. This marks the second consecutive trustee of Calumet Township to be convicted on public corruption charges, following Dozier Allen in 2007.
Allen, who served as trustee for 32 years, was indicted five years after losing to Elgin for misusing grant money meant for the township. He was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Robinson's mother, who served as Allen's deputy, was also sentenced in that case.
It is a disappointing turn of events for Calumet Township, but the community remains hopeful for positive changes in the future. Robinson's resignation leaves big shoes to fill, but with the right leadership, the township can continue to thrive. Michelle L. Quinn, a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune, contributed to this report.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
