A motion by Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill’s office is being interpreted as a political move by Keith Cooper’s attorney.
The office sought a delay in the former Elkhart man’s request for a new trial in his 1996 armed robbery case. It wants court officials to weigh in on procedural arguments before proceeding, according to the Elkhart Truth.
Cooper’s attorney, Elliot Slosar, said in a court document that Hill “does not want to take a formal position prior to his constituents voting on Nov. 8, 2016.” Hill is running for Indiana Attorney General as a Republican.
The Indiana Parole Board recommended Cooper be pardoned in 2014. Gov. Mike Pence has yet to do so.
Cooper was sentenced to 40 years in prison, but he was released after the state appeals court overturned his co-defendant’s conviction in 2005. However, his conviction still remains on his criminal record.
