The sheriff of Clark County, Indiana is denying accusations about his alleged involvement with a prostitute that led to a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday, but will take a voluntary leave of absence pending the outcome of his case.
Sixty-year-old Sheriff Daniel Rodden is charged with destroying evidence and lying to federal investigators.
U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett says Rodden provided a prostitute with a deputy’s badge and other credentials in May of last year.
"He did so in order that the prostitute could obtain a government employee rate at a hotel across the river in Louisville," explained Hogsett. "It is also alleged in the indictment that Mr. Rodden met the prostitute at that hotel several weeks later and engaged in a sex act with her."
Rodden is accused of telling the prostitute to “get rid” of the materials and with lying repeatedly to the FBI about his involvement with the woman. The charges carry more than 20 years in prison.
Rodden was first elected Clark County Sheriff in 2007 and is in the last months of his second and final term.
