Lisa Trigg
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
A March 29 trial date is approaching in the case of a Terre Haute city councilman accused of impersonating a police officer.
The case against Ramon “Turk” Roman, 74, is expected to begin with jury selection on that Monday afternoon in front of Special Judge Matthew L. Headley in Putnam Circuit Court in Greencastle.
Roman’s class-D felony charge results from a Dec. 18, 2008, incident in which he allegedly said he was a police officer and threatened a man with arrest and induced him to show his driver’s license in a fast-food restaurant. Roman approached the man after being angered when their cars nearly collided on Wabash Avenue, city police have said.
Roman allegedly showed the man his city councilman’s badge and represented himself as a police officer.
While court records show that a plea agreement has been tendered in the case, Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt told the Tribune-Star on Wednesday that the case is on schedule at this time.
Judge Headley of Putnam County is hearing the case since Vigo Superior Court 6 Judge Michael Lewis recused himself, saying he and other Vigo County judges could not serve because of their familiarity with the defendant.
Roman served eight years on the County Council and was elected to the City Council in 2007.
A class-D felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
