Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Investigator For Prosecutor's Office Charged With Multiple Felonies

Daniel Constantino formerly worked as an investigator for the Marion Co. Prosecutor's Office. A special prosecutor now accuses him of committing multiple felony counts of corrupt business influence, forgery and official misconduct. Constantino resigned his job in the prosecutor's office last month amid an investigation by the Indiana State Police according to the Star's Jon Murray. "[Constantino] is accused of using his police powers to sign off on law enforcement vehicle inspection forms for three stolen vehicles between September and December 2008." "Court documents say Constantino used his position as an 'enterprise' that has engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, namely official misconduct and forgery."

Constantino's name also surfaced in the corruption investigation of former Perry Township Constable Roy Houchins. According to Fox 59 News' Russ McQuaid, Constantino played a role in retrieving guns seized in a domestic dispute on behalf of the constable's office that McQuaid later traced to a dumpster. McQuaid's report suggested money had been offered in exchange for the guns. It's amazing that Constantino remained employed with the prosecutor's office until a month ago given the controversy surrounding him.

UPDATE: Fox 59's Russ McQuaid reports on a guilty plea entered against Michael Sherfick, the former deputy constable with the Perry Township Constable. He admitted in federal court to taking $30,000 in bribes for handing out deputy constable badges. His boss, Roy Houchins, dropped dead a few weeks back after leaving a southside restaurant. Houchins had faced similar charges and had been scheduled to go on trial the week he died. Early indications of the toxicology report on his death indicate he had ingested a lethal dose of drugs.

7 comments:

varangianguard said...

An odd corrollary is that a daughter of the late Mr. Houchins also died within weeks of his death. She was only in her early 50s, and I certainly don't draw any conclusions from the sad event. But, it's rather out of the ordinary.

Paul K. Ogden said...

"Early indications of the toxicology report on his death indicate he had ingested a lethal dose of drugs."

Huh, when did this come out?

Unknown said...

The best part--Constantino is Paul Page's cousin.

Downtown Indy said...

Can Brizzi hang on for another 8 months to qualify for his pension? Or will the FBI stop by for a visit before that?

interestedparty said...

Nancy's comment should have been the headline!

Indy4U2C said...

Is there a U. S. Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana?

Southsider said...

And the hits keep coming...should have played baseball.