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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana Attorney General Curtis Hill discussed crime prevention Tuesday during the Indiana General Assembly’s organization day, presenting his office’s commitment to making Hoosier neighborhoods safer. However, one woman said she did not feel safe at the statehouse with Hill present.
“Our attorney general is a creep,” protester Ali Brown said. Donning a “feminist killjoy” backpack, Brown, vice president of Indiana Young Democrats, passed out copies of Indiana Inspector General Lori Torres’ report into allegations that an intoxicated Hill groped women at a legislative party earlier this year. Hill was not charged by special prosecutor Dan Sigler, but Sigler said he believed a female lawmaker and women legislative staffers who accused Hill. They intend to sue Hill and the state.
During the event, Hill discussed how he hopes to reverse the growing trend of violent crime in the state by continuing in the office’s efforts of prevention and community involvement.
“We all should all live and work and raise our kids in an environment that’s safe,” Hill said as he addressed the many law enforcement officers and community members at the event. “And yet violent crime is trending upward, especially in our cities.”
Hill said that when talking about drug-related crime, treatment and enforcement get all the attention. Now, he said, it’s time to put equal emphasis on prevention.
“There’s a role for government in crime prevention and I believe it starts with putting together a diverse group of people committed to making a difference,” he said.
Hill called for involvement from community leaders, law enforcement, nonprofits, policymakers and citizens from across the state. Specifically, the attorney general’s office announced several pieces of legislation proposed for the 2019 Indiana legislative session that it plans to support.
Some of those bills focus on public safety measures that would increase criminal penalties for human trafficking to combat trafficking of minor children, close the drug dealer loophole by making meth and cocaine dealing a non-suspendable offense with a mandatory minimum sentence.
The attorney general also commended his office’s initiatives and outreach, including its public safety coalition, jail chemical addiction program and positive relationship with the IndyTenPoint Coalition.
Nevertheless, Hill’s recent scandal shadowed the event. As Brown passed out copies of the IG’s report before the event and said a creep was about to speak, she was pulled to the side and asked to leave by a member of the attorney general’s office. She refused.
“I’m a taxpayer, I’m allowed to be here,” she said. “This is all protected speech. This is scary for me to be here. This isn’t fun. But I know it’s right. So they can tell me I have to leave, but I know my rights.”
Brown said she’s scared for the young men and women who walk the halls of the statehouse because of the sexual misconduct allegations against Hill.
“It’s not a safe space, and for him to come out here and think he can do this is insulting,” Brown said. “And I want to be here for the four women he assaulted and the others who have been hurt in these hallways.”
Hill, a Republican, has resisted calls from Gov. Eric Holcomb and Republican leaders to resign over the scandal. However, Republican statehouse leaders who previously called for Hill’s resignation said Monday they do not foresee an effort to impeach the AG or otherwise force his removal from office.
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