Auditor Asked To Resign, Cousin Arrested In Bribery Scheme

GREENFIELD, Ind. -- The Hancock County commissioners met in an emergency session Thursday to request the resignation of the county auditor, accused of taking a cut of public money funneled into unapproved repair projects.

Linda J. Grass, 42, of Greenfield, was arrested Wednesday and preliminarily charged with bribery, corrupt business influence, theft, conflict of interest and obstruction of justice.

State police said she contracted her cousin's construction firm to do repair work on the courthouse and then pocketed $54,000 of what the company was paid.

The Hancock County commissioners initiated the investigation into Grass' business practices. On Thursday, they officially asked for her resignation, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

"I'm extremely disappointed. It undermines the trust of the residents of this county and of this state and of this country to have someone do something like that," said Commissioner Derek Towle. "It's going to take a long time to gain that trust back."

Grass was given until 9 a.m. Friday to resign. That deadline was extended on Friday to Monday at 9 a.m. after Grass' attorney said he needed more time to review the 21 counts against her.

If she refuses to resign, commissioners said they will start the impeachment process.

"Even if we pursue impeachment, through this process, even though she's been charged, come Monday she very well could come here and be our auditor and take our minutes," said Commissioner Brad Armstrong.

Grass' cousin -- James H. Barger, 42, Franklin -- turned himself in to police Thursday evening. He was preliminarily charged with seven counts each of bribery and theft.

Grass bonded out of the Hancock County Jail on Wednesday.