A Marion County judge has rejected the attorney for former Center Township Constable Denise Paul Hatch’s request to throw out her conviction.
Hatch pled guilty in October to official misconduct and disorderly conduct charges. She was arrested in May for possessing a weapon, which she could not have as she was out on bond for a previous offense. Hatch was given credit for time served and did not have to spend any time behind bars. Because Hatch pled guilty to felony charges, she was automatically removed from office.
Hatch’s attorney had filed a motion to withdraw her plea agreement, saying she did not fully understand what she was doing and was coerced into signing the deal. However, the Court said it could not verify whether Hatch actually wanted to vacate the plea deal.
Center Township Democrats caucused last Friday and chose former IPS School Board Member Kenneth Allen to replace Hatch.
