Latest news with #VotingSystemTechnicalOversiteProgram
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Savage case set for July trial
ANDERSON — A trial has been set for July in the case of Larry Savage, who faces a felony charge of destroying or misplacing a ballot. Savage appeared in Madison Circuit Court Division 6 Friday, and Judge Mark Dudley set a trial date of July 28 as the second choice on that date. His attorney, Brandon Townsend, said both sides couldn't reach a resolution in plea negotiations. 'I'm innocent and my attorney will prove it,' Savage said in a statement following the hearing. Savage, 51, was charged last year with the felony count and a misdemeanor charge of theft after removing ballots from a test of the county's voting machines on Oct. 3. He called the charges a 'political witch hunt.' The testing of the voting machines is conducted through the Voting System Technical Oversite Program hosted by Ball State University. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by David Peterson with the Indiana State Police, it was discovered that two of the test ballots were missing. Upon reviewing surveillance video, staff members observed Savage folding the two ballots and placing them in his pocket before he left the Madison County Government Center. A few moments after taking the ballots, on the video Savage is observed whispering to Katherine Callahan. Savage then posted on Callahan's Facebook page that the test was three ballots short. Savage said at the time of his arrest that he didn't realize he couldn't take the ballots that were labeled 'sample.' State law requires that all ballots used during testing be sealed. A search warrant, including his cellphone, was served on Savage at his residence. Savage told investigators he took the ballots but believed they were sample ballots and not intended to be counted. A search of Savage's cellphone showed he texted Callahan asking if anything was said about the ballots he took. Callahan texted Savage to let him know officials were looking for the ballots. 'I had three, how can they be one short?' Savage responded. During the serving of the search warrant, Savage told investigators he believed they were sample ballots. Savage said he didn't ask if he could take the ballots while at the courthouse. Savage lost a bid to be mayor of Alexandria in 2019. He also lost in the 2023 primary for an at-large seat on the Anderson City Council; and last year he lost in the primary for the Republican Party nomination in the 5th Congressional District.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Savage's attorney negotiating plea deal
ANDERSON — Negotiations on a potential plea agreement are continuing in the case of Larry Savage, who faces a felony charge of destroying or misplacing a ballot. Savage appeared in Madison Circuit Court Division 6 Friday and received permission from Judge Mark Dudley to travel out of state late this month. His attorney, Brandon Townsend, said no trial date was set and he continues to consider the evidence in the case. Townsend said he thought there would be a plea offer from the Madison County Prosecutor's office. No trial date has been set by Judge Dudley. Savage, 51, was charged last year with the felony count and a misdemeanor charge of theft after removing ballots from a test of the county's voting machines on Oct. 3. He called the charges a 'political witch hunt.' The testing of the voting machines is conducted through the Voting System Technical Oversite Program hosted by Ball State University. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by David Peterson with the Indiana State Police, it was discovered that two of the test ballots were missing. Upon reviewing surveillance video, staff members observed Savage folding the two ballots and placing them in his pocket before he left the Madison County Government Center. A few moments after taking the ballots, on the video Savage is observed whispering to Katherine Callahan. Savage then posted on Callahan's Facebook page that the test was three ballots short. Savage said at the time of his arrest that he didn't realize he couldn't take the ballots that were labeled 'sample.' State law requires that all ballots used during testing be sealed. A search warrant, including his cellphone, was served on Savage at his residence. Savage told investigators he took the ballots but believed they were sample ballots and not intended to be counted. A search of Savage's cellphone showed he texted Callahan asking if anything was said about the ballots he took. Callahan texted Savage to let him know officials were looking for the ballots. 'I had 3, how can they be one short?' Savage responded. During the serving of the search warrant, Savage told investigators he believed they were sample ballots. Savage said he didn't ask if he could take the ballots while at the courthouse. Savage lost a bid to be mayor of Alexandria in 2019. He also lost in the 2023 primary for an at-large seat on the Anderson City Council; and this year lost in the primary for the Republican Party nomination in the 5th Congressional District.
