Investigation into allegations of “improper” retirement benefits for former attorneys

SOUTH BEND, Ind. —

Dan Schetzle, the President of the St. Joseph Parish Council, has raised concerns that a former county attorney received “inappropriate” severance pay for overtime worked.

The Indiana Public Retirement System is looking into potential unfair retirement benefits linked to a St. Joseph County General Counsel.

This effort is spearheaded by the County Council Chairman.

“Starting in January 2024, I began questioning whether taxpayer money was improperly used to support the retirement fund for the County Council’s attorneys,” noted Dan Schatzle (R), the Chairman of the St. Joseph County Council.

Schatzle mentioned that he submitted a request to the Indiana Public Retirement System to investigate the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF).

According to a 1982 law, employees in St. Joseph County must work at least 1,000 hours a year to qualify for public retirement benefits.

Schetzle contends that the former City Council attorney did not fulfill this requirement yet still took advantage of the benefits.

He also stressed that the current county attorney does not receive these benefits based on their qualifications.

“We feel this situation warrants a thorough examination to ensure adherence to all relevant rules and regulations,” said Schetzle.

In response, former attorney Jamie O’Brien argued that this was merely a political maneuver by Schetzle.

“This is a political stunt orchestrated by Dan Schetzle to salvage his failing re-election campaign,” O’Brien stated in a written response. “I’m known for my integrity in both my work with the City Council and the community. Mr. Schetzle is attempting to damage my personal, political, and professional reputation. Any sort of misleading survey should raise red flags for voters. The county auditor has also confirmed that I share the same benefits as the previous county attorney. I’ve included an email that supports Auditor John Murphy’s claim that Mr. Schetzle is willing to win by any means necessary.”

Schatzle asserted that this issue is not driven by political motives.

“This traces back to June 1982. If we’re going to be open about how taxpayer funds are utilized, we should indeed be transparent,” he said.

Republican Councilman Randall Figg supported this by saying retirement funds have been previously investigated without finding any misconduct.

“Nick, this is just a political tactic because Mr. O’Brien is vying for Mr. Schetzle’s position, utilizing county resources to target a political rival,” Figg remarked.