Franklin, IN — A local elected official who served as Special Prosecutor in a South Central Indiana case will not bring ghost employment charges against the Johnson County Prosecutor.
Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel made the determination following his review of an Indiana State Police investigation involving Joe Villanueva, who was accused of asking his employees to campaign for him during work hours.
This would be a violation of a state statute that prohibits supervisory public officials from assigning campaign duties or any duties unrelated to their job description.
Hertel reserved the right to reevaluate his decision if new evidence comes to light.
