Denise Paul Hatch is no longer the constable for Center Township.
Hatch pled guilty to official misconduct and disorderly conduct charges.
Hatch was arrested last month for possessing a weapon, which she could not have as she was out on bond for a previous offense. And in May, she was charged with illegally possessing a weapon, invasion of privacy and official misconduct. At the time of the arrest Hatch was already out on bond for an earlier misconduct and resisting arrest charge.
Because Hatch pled guilty to felony charges, she is automatically removed from office. She was given credit for time served and will not have to spend any time behind bars.
During her sentencing Judge Willam Nelson said he was disappointed in seeing an elected official arrested four times in a year on the same charges. particularly one affiliated with law enforcement, really bothered him.
He said Hatch had disgraced the uniform and the system.
Under Indiana law, an elected official convicted of a felony is automatically removed from office.
A caucus of Center Township precinct committeemen will meet in 30 days to pick Hatch’s replacement.
Indy Politics spoke with special prosecutor Kyle Brandy.
The Leon-Tailored Audio runs five minutes.
