A local city councilman took his oath of office Friday at the Porter County, Indiana jail, where he sits after being charged with murder, The Chicago Tribune reported.
Robert Battle was re-elected to his East Chicago, Indiana city council seat in November, a month after the federal government filed murder and drug charges against him.
Battle was charged with “knowingly and intentionally” killing a man as part of a narcotics conspiracy. Battle’s lawyers said he shot the man in self-defense, according to a Tribune article from November.
The state of Indiana allows Battle to keep his seat on council, which he won after running unopposed as a Democrat—as well as collect the position’s $42,365 annual salary until he resigns, admits guilt, or is found guilty, according to the newspaper.
Battle has pleaded not guilty and his trial is expected to start in August.
