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Ind. Probe Called for Charges Against Former Schools Chief

By The Associated Press — December 09, 2014 1 min read
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An investigation into former Indiana schools Superintendent Tony Bennett’s use of state staff and resources during his 2012 re-election campaign found ample evidence to support federal wire-fraud charges, according to a copy of the 95-page report viewed by the Associated Press.

Despite the recommendation that charges be pursued, Mr. Bennett has never faced prosecution for such allegations, which could have carried up to 20 years in prison.

The report, completed by the Indiana inspector general’s office in February, said that an investigator found more than 100 instances in which Mr. Bennett or his employees violated federal wire-fraud law. That contrasts sharply with an eight-page formal report issued in July that said the office found minimal violations, resulting in a $5,000 fine and an admonishment that he could have rewritten rules to allow some campaign work on state time.

Mr. Bennett, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, told the AP that the matter was closed and that he had no comment.

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A version of this article appeared in the December 10, 2014 edition of Education Week as Ind. Probe Called for Charges Against Former Schools Chief

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