Judges continue to pass on state lawmaker's OWI case

Bob Kasarda

LAPORTE — At least three local judges have so far passed on presiding over the criminal drunken driving case against State Sen. Michael Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, records show.

LaPorte Circuit Court Judge Julianne Havens declined the appointment Monday, following in the footsteps of LaPorte Superior Court Judge Richard Stalbrink Jr. and Magistrate John Link, according to court records.

The selection of a judge is back in the hands of the county clerk's office.

"If a judge has a conflict of interest or some other reason under the Judicial Canons, then they need to recuse, or remove themself from the case," LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said when asked about the hot-potato treatment of the case.

"Then, the Clerk appoints another judge, who then either accepts or decl