A Northwest Indiana mayor goes on trial in federal court this week on corruption charges.
That mayor was once touted as a reformer.
George Pabey came into office six years ago, promising to end years of patronage and overspending by the previous administration in the city of East Chicago, Indiana.
But Pabey has had trouble living up to those promises. In late 2008, a federal grand jury indicted Pabey and another city employee for embezzling public funds and illegally using city workers to remodel a house Pabey owns in Gary.
Pabey’s trial has had a number of delays but begins today in Hammond. A jury has been seated and opening arguments began this afternoon.
Pabey maintains his innocence. His defense attorney is Scott King, the former mayor in the neighboring city of Gary.