INDIANAPOLIS | A special prosecutor says a grand jury has indicted the state’s top election official on seven felony counts, including voter fraud and perjury.
John Dowd said Thursday that Republican Secretary of State Charlie White faces three counts of voter fraud and two counts of perjury for using his ex-wife’s home in Fishers instead of his condo as his address when voting in the May primary. He also faces theft and financial fraud charges.
White has said the address situation was an honest mistake caused by his busy schedule and new marriage.
White’s office did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
The Republican defeated Democrat Vop Osili in November. He would be forced to resign if convicted.
Statement from Governor Daniels about Secretary of State Charlie White:
“This news is sad and regrettable, but the only course of honor is for Mr. White to step down from his duties, at least during the duration of these proceedings until a verdict is reached. Â It would be neither credible nor appropriate for the state’s top elections official to continue to perform his duties while contesting criminal charges, some of them under the very laws the Secretary of State implements. I have consulted with each of the other statewide elected officials and our judgment about this is unanimous.”
STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN ERIC HOLCOMB
ON SECRETARY OF STATE CHARLIE WHITE
INDIANAPOLIS (March 3, 2011) – Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb released the following statement on Secretary of State Charlie White:
“What we learned today is disappointing. We think it’s appropriate Secretary of State Charlie White take a leave of absence from his official duties until the legal process reaches a conclusion.”
Rokita Statement on Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White
Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4) released the following statement regarding the indictment of Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White:
“Today’s announcement is sad news for Indiana. As the former Secretary of State and a current Representative of the people of Indiana, I agree with Governor Daniels that Secretary White cannot credibly or adequately do his duties while contesting criminal charges. Mr. White should step down until the charges are adjudicated.â€