JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. – Special Prosecutor for Johnson County Richard Hertel will not bring ghost employment charges against Johnson County Prosecutor Joe Villanueva following his review of an Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation, according to a copy of the special prosecutor’s report.
The investigation stemmed from an audio recording of an April 23, 2019, incident in which it was alleged that prosecutor’s office employees were asked by Villanueva to campaign for him during work hours. Such would be a violation of IC 35-44.1-1-3, which prohibits supervisory public servants from assigning campaign duties or any duties outside of their job description.
“These accusations originating in 2019 were and have always been baseless, and specifically timed to have an impact on the contested Prosecutor’s race in Johnson County,” Villaneuva said in a statement.
Special Prosecutor Hertel reserved the right to reevaluate his decision should new evidence turn up.
