Indianapolis - An Indianapolis township constable and a former deputy face corruption charges in the alleged theft of two firearms from a police property room.
Initial hearings are set for Thursday in Marion Superior Court for Roy Houchins, 69, who was re-elected in 2006 to a second term as Perry Township constable, and Michael S. Sherfick, 36, Houchins' executive assistant and a former deputy constable.
Both are charged with corrupt business influence and conspiracy to commit theft. Sherfick also is charged with forgery.
A probable cause affidavit says they used the constable's office "as an 'enterprise' that has engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, namely theft, forgery, perjury and official misconduct."
There were no telephone listings in Indianapolis for either Houchins or Sherfick and they could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
According to court documents, Houchins signed a letter another employee took to the Marion County sheriff's property room for the release of a handgun and rifle that had been seized by the sheriff's department. The letter said the guns belonged to the Perry Township constable's office, although the other employee, who has not been charged, told investigators that Houchins had told him the guns belonged to Sherfick.
Houchins also is accused of selling vehicles titled under the constable's office and falsifying the sales prices on documents, resulting in reduced or no sales tax. Sherfick is charged with forging a document with Houchins' stamped signature to obtain financing under the name of the constable's office for a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban.
Barry Brown, a former Monroe County prosecutor, was appointed special prosecutor after Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi recused his office. Houchins, like Brizzi, is a Republican.
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