St. Joseph County Council President Dan Schaetzle is facing sharp criticism from four fellow council members, who claim he is using a state inquiry for political gain.

Schaetzle says he wants answers about why council leaders asked the Indiana Public Retirement System to investigate whether former council attorneys improperly received retirement benefits. But council members Andy Rutten, Joe Thomas, Amy Drake, and Randy Figg say Schaetzle is actually targeting a political opponent ahead of next year’s election.

In a letter, the group accuses Schaetzle of abusing government systems, hiding the investigation from colleagues, and using county resources to boost his reelection chances. They argue his actions amount to “political retaliation” and “blatant lawfare.”

Schaetzle, who was censured by the state GOP earlier this year, denies political motives. He says he began raising concerns in early 2024 after reviewing work records and state rules showing the council attorney position was not eligible for PERF retirement benefits. A resident complaint then pushed the issue forward. The county says it is cooperating with the state review.