INDIANAPOLIS -- Lincoln Plowman, an Indianapolis police major and a member of the City-County Council, resigned from both positions on Monday afternoon in the wake of his recent refusal to answer questions in a federal investigation.

Marion County Public Safety Director Frank Straub and City-County Council President Ryan Vaughn met with Plowman and his attorney, after which Plowman's attorney issued a statement.

"Plowman stated that it has been an honor to serve the city as a law enforcement officer and as a councilor," part of the statement read.

As he left the meeting, Plowman had little to add, saying, "It's time for me to retire."

Vaughn said Plowman's issues have been a distraction to the council's work and cast a bad light on all councilors, calling the integrity of all into question, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

"It's a distraction to what we're supposed to be doing, what we were elected to do, our core job responsibility," Vaughn said. "I'm glad this one is behind us."

Plowman -- a 23-year veteran of the force -- has been on administrative leave with pay since early February, when FBI agents confronted him with questions that he refused to answer, authorities said.

Under department policy, employees cannot refuse to cooperate in an investigation.

Plowman represented District 25 in Franklin Township on the City-County Council.

Plowman has been linked politically with millionaire investor Tim Durham, whose companies are at the center of a fraud investigation by the FBI, but officials would not disclose the nature of the investigation involving Plowman.

"Straub confirmed that there are no departmental charges filed or pending against Plowman," the statement read. "Plowman's retirement eliminates any need for departmental action."

Mayor Greg Ballard issued a statement Monday afternoon praising Straub and Vaughn for their leadership in the matter.

"It is important that public servants at every level of government be held to the highest ethical standards, because that is what citizens expect and deserve," the statement read.

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