Decision pending on criminal charges for Drew

Shoals — Martin County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Steiner is holding his decision on whether or not to file criminal charges against former Jasper patrolman Dave Drew until the deputy prosecuting attorney, former Martin County Circuit Court Judge Joe Howell, reviews the investigation and interviews turned over to the Martin County office.

Steiner, who was appointed as the special prosecutor in the investigation into allegations of misconduct against Drew, received the investigation from Indiana State Police the week of March 4. Steiner stated the investigation was extensive and included recorded interviews that took time to review.

“We’ve received all the documentation from the state police investigation,” Steiner said. “I spent an extensive amount of time reviewing it the day I received it, but I want my chief deputy to look at it independently and give me his opinion before I make a decision.”

Steiner stated he wants to have a decision filed later this week due to a separate trial starting next week. “If we don’t make a decision this week, it may be two weeks before we do so,” he said.

Drew resigned last Thursday, one day prior to a public hearing by the Jasper Board of Public Works to decide his fate in regards to his continued employment. If Drew had not resigned, the City of Jasper would have stipulated in his personnel file the circumstances regarding his dismissal, including a final disciplinary action, if the Board of Public Works voted to fire him at last Friday’s meeting. Drew’s resignation made the Public Works meeting moot and therefore no entries were made in his personnel file.

On Feb. 12, the Jasper Board of Public Works approved a recommendation to begin the procedure to terminate Drew based on allegations of misconduct and the results of an internal investigation conducted by the city.

Jasper Police Chief Michael Bennett asked the board for approval to begin the administrative actions required to terminate  Drew at that time. In lieu of the termination, Bennett also recommended the board approve a suspension with pay until the proceedings were completed.

The Dubois County Free Press filed a written request with the City of Jasper on Friday to request further information on the facts surrounding Drew’s suspension with pay. According to an official statement by the City of Jasper, Drew was suspended with pay “based on the desire of the City of Jasper to protect the interest of Officer Drew as well as the morale and integrity of the Police Department and its acting officials.”

Steiner would not comment on any criminal activities potentially revealed in the state police investigation. “If we file charges the probable cause affidavit will be a public document, which will essentially contain the investigation,” Steiner stated. “If I don’t file charges, I will have to file a brief report to the court regarding that decision.”