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Monday, October 03, 2011

Ind. Gov't. - "Indictment puts Philpot's future in jeopardy"

Bill Dolan of the NWI Times reported Oct. 2 in a story - some quotes:

CROWN POINT | Lake County Coroner Thomas Philpot's fight to clear his name of federal fraud and theft charges may be worth the effort.

The 54-year-old Highland resident could be barred from the professions that have sustained his prominent career over more than three decades if the U.S. attorney's office can prove to a jury he boosted his salary as county clerk between 2004 and 2009 with $24,702 in federal funds to which he wasn't entitled.

Philpot pleaded not guilty last week to a five-count indictment. No trial date has been scheduled.

The still unproven allegations don't prevent him from practicing law in Indiana as he has done since 2001. Nor could they stop him from resuming his medical practice, although Philpot hasn't been a licensed podiatrist in a decade.

Philpot's defense lawyer, Leonard Goodman, of Chicago, said last week Philpot had no intent to defraud the government because he was relying on the opinion of his county government-appointed attorney, who said keeping the money was legal.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson, who will prosecute the case, was able to overcome a similar "advice-of-counsel" defense employed two years ago by attorneys for former Calumet Township Trustee Dozier Allen and two of his employees, who were convicted of federal charges they illegally pocketed federal funds earmarked for his public office for work they didn't perform.

Philpot's demand for a trial ensures he can remain as county coroner while awaiting trial, according to A.J. Feeney-Ruiz, a spokesman for the Indiana secretary of state's office, which oversees election law.

The story goes on to look at how a conviction for a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor, could impact Philpot's electoral, legal, and medical careers.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on October 3, 2011 11:46 AM
Posted to Indiana Government