East Chicago councilman accused in killing gets drug charge

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) - An East Chicago councilman charged in a man's shooting death has been indicted on a federal drug charge.

Robert Battle, 42, was formally charged Thursday with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute stemming from his arrest Sept. 23.

Authorities say police found about 73 grams of marijuana and $100,700 in cash wrapped in rubber bands in Battle's vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near Chesterton. He was later released pending formal charges, The (Munster) Times (http://bit.ly/1Xo5JfC ) reports.

Battle's attorney, John Cantrell, said the indictment was expected.

"We're just waiting on some discovery, and we're going to prepare our defense strategy," Cantrell said.

Battle pleaded not guilty to the murder charge Tuesday accusing him in the death of 31-year-old Reimundo Camarillo Jr. of East Chicago. He's accused of fatally shooting Camarillo once in the back in an alley Oct. 12, and he was arrested that day at the office of his former attorney, Walter Alvarez.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Alvarez told authorities Battle shot Camarillo in self-defense after Camarillo pulled a knife on Battle. Court records show police weren't able to find a knife, shell casings or bullets at the scene.

Court records don't say if there's a connection between the two cases. Last week, East Chicago Police Chief Mark Becker said he couldn't comment on a possible connection.

Cantrell said he doesn't know if there's a connection because he's waiting for evidence from prosecutors.

Battle is running unopposed in a bid for re-election to his 3rd District seat next month.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com