Indiana's Newest Councilman Is an Accused Murderer Who's Currently Behind Bars
An Indiana councilman was sworn into office this week from behind bars at a federal facility, where he’s being held on charges that he murdered a man during a drug deal gone wrong.
According to the Chicago Tribune, East Chicago, Indiana councilman Robert Battle began his second term this week from behind bars, where he’s currently facing multiple felony charges.
Authorities say Battle was working for the feds when he allegedly shot Reimundo Camarillo Jr. in the back on Oct. 12. Camarillo, an alleged gang member, had apparently become suspicious of Battle, who authorities say was trying to sell Camarillo cocaine as part of a sting operation.
Battle was later allegedly pulled over with the cocaine, 73.22 grams of marijuana and $100,700 in cash in the back of his car, leading to the federal drug and murder charges.
His account of the events since his arrest has been inconsistent, to say the least. Via the Times of Northwest Indiana:
Battle initially said through his then attorney, Walter Alvarez, that he shot Camarillo after Camarillo pulled a knife on him, according to the affidavit. As the conversations continued, Battle said there was no struggle before the shooting, according to court records.
In the meantime, Battle’s political career is moving ahead full-speed—according to the Tribune, an “unnamed official” swore him in this week at the federal facility where he’s currently being held.
And there’s nothing the city can really do about it. Battle, who’s pleaded not guilty, can’t be removed from office until and unless he’s convicted or admits his guilt. Which means, barring a plea deal, he’ll continue to draw his $42,365 annual salary until at least August when his trial is scheduled to begin.
