MORGAN COUNTY, Indiana — A former Martinsville City Council member and Morgan County attorney was arrested by Indiana State Police last week, accused of theft, counterfeiting and official misconduct.
James K. Wisco, 43, of Martinsville, has been formally charged with 13 counts of theft, seven counts of counterfeiting, one count of official misconduct and one count of corrupt business influence, according to online court records.
State police said their investigation into Wisco began in December 2023 after a meeting with Morgan County Prosecutor Steve Sonnega, who requested an ISP investigation because he'd become aware of forgery and theft allegations involving Wisco.
When the investigation began, Wisco was serving on the Martinsville City Council and as Morgan County attorney. He was also serving as a practicing attorney for Foley, Peden and Wisco, a Martinsville law firm.
Indiana State Police interviewed victims and witnesses and obtained financial records during the investigation.
Court documents indicated an ISP detective discovered Wisco had allegedly not paid tens of thousands of dollars owed to clients in divorce and estate proceedings. According to the documents, Wisco admitted to theft and forgeries from multiple attorneys and individuals, as well as Morgan County, totaling over $160,000.
After an arrest warrant for Wisco was granted, he agreed to surrender to state police, and a special prosecutor was assigned to the case.
