Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White has asked a judge to rule that his testimony before a state panel considering whether he should remain in office cannot be used against him in a criminal case alleging he committed voter fraud.
Marion Circuit Judge Louis Rosenberg has set a hearing on the motion for Monday, the day before the Indiana Recount Commission will hold its own hearing on the Democratic Party’s civil challenge to the Republican White’s candidacy in the November election.
If Rosenberg grants White’s request for partial immunity, his testimony to the recount panel couldn’t be used against him at the criminal trial set for August. The request also covers his wife, Michelle Quigley-White, who the motion says also could face criminal proceedings.
Both cases against Charlie White stem from allegations he used his ex-wife’s address on a voter registration form when he no longer lived there so he could continue serving on the town council in the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers. Democrats argue the fact that White was illegally registered makes his candidacy invalid, and that the Democratic runner-up in November’s election, Vop Osili, should replace him in office.
White tried unsuccessfully to have the civil case delayed until after the criminal case so he wouldn’t be faced with the prospect of incriminating himself or taking the Fifth Amendment before the commission.
Full Article: Indiana secretary of state seeks immunity for testimony | Palladium-Item | pal-item.com.