Published: December 29, 2008 10:51 pm         

Former Vermillion official’s trial date set

TERRE HAUTE — An Oct. 5 trial date has been set for Ramon J. Colombo, the former Vermillion County Emergency Management director facing allegations of theft and official misconduct.

Colombo was arrested this past Oct. 14 on allegations of misuse of federal funds.

He was charged with three counts of theft and three counts of official misconduct, all class-D felonies.

Colombo allegedly allowed a Terre Haute company to overbid its services to Vermillion County to cover the cost of items bought for Colombo’s personal use, including televisions and kitchen appliances.

Colombo, who has pleaded not guilty to the felony charges, served nine years on the Clinton City Council and was Clinton mayor from 1988 to 1999.

On Monday in Vermillion Circuit Court, Special Judge Susan Orr Henderson set the trial date.

In another development in the case, Colombo’s attorney, Richard Kammen, filed a motion last month requesting a “gag” order in the case. The gag order would prohibit Prosecutor Nina Alexander and law enforcement representatives from discussing the case with media.

The motion alleges Alexander and police officers have violated ethical rules in discussing the case.

Alexander in response filed a motion requesting Kammen produce supporting evidence showing that ethical violations have been made and a gag order is necessary. The judge has given the defense until Jan. 9 to respond.

Also, Alexander has requested a hearing in the matter, which was set for Jan. 30. Alexander believes the allegation of a violation of ethical rules is “without merit.”

In its motion for a gag order, the defense cites a statement made by Alexander that federal prosecutors are conducting their own investigation into the case.

On Monday, Alexander confirmed “I have been contacted by federal prosecutors relative to this case … I’ve provided documents related to what I have filed.”

Federal investigators have been to the Vermillion County Courthouse “and requested certain items from the auditor’s office,” Alexander said.

She said she is not part of the federal investigation.

A representative of the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Indiana could not immediately be reached for comment.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.