No charges against AG Hill, but lawmaker, victims to sue

Special prosecutor Dan Sigler announced Tuesday morning he would file no criminal charges against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, who was accused this summer of groping four women. But the alleged victims said they would sue Hill and the AG's office. Sigler said Hill admitted he consumed a significant amount of alcohol and touched the women the night of the alleged incidents.

Sigler said at a news conference Tuesday morning that charges of battery or sexual battery could not be proved because there was no indication Hill used force or acted in a rude, insolent or angry manner as required by statute. He said 56 witnesses were interviewed during his investigation, including victims who claimed they were inappropriately touched. Sigler said he believed them, but evidence of a crime was lacking. He said he and the Indiana Inspector General will file a report, and that Hill gave a video statement. It was determined Hill consumed a significant amount of alcohol before he arrived at a party where the alleged groping took place.

Hill has been the subject of an investigation after allegations came to light. Democratic Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster, and three legislative assistants allege the attorney general touched them inappropriately and made unwanted sexual advances at a party after the end of the 2018 legislative session at AJ's Lounge in Indianapolis. Sigler said there was video from inside AJ's the night of the incidents, but it was recorded over.

Reardon said at the news conference Tuesday she was proud to stand with brave women and that Hoosiers know Hill's "egregious" behavior is unacceptable. Reardon said she and other victims want Hill to resign.

Despite calls for him to resign from Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leaders, Hill maintains he has been falsely accused. The matter was turned over to the Indiana Inspector General’s office and at the request of Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, a special prosecutor was appointed.

Sigler, a senior prosecuting attorney from Allen County, was tapped to serve as special prosecutor for this matter. Although Hill argued the appointed of a special prosecutor was premature, Marion Superior Judge Lisa Borges issued the order July 24.

The allegations of sexual misconduct surrounding the attorney general surfaced during the summer after a report from Taft Stettinius & Hollister was leaked.

Hill went on the offensive, threatening to file a defamation lawsuit and starting a legal defense fund. During a September interview on CSPAN, Hill said he was fighting a guilty-until-proven-innocent mentality when questioned about the allegations.

This story will be updated.