Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 November 1990 — Page 1

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Men demand equal child support rights

By KIM L. HOOPER Staff Writer b the enforcement of child suppon payments by the Marion County prosecutor’s office geared to benefit only mothers? Marie V. Bern, the father of three, thinks so. Bean, a computer operator a Anacomp Inc., has been divorced from his ex-wife Sharon for five years and was awarded sole custody of their children ages, 8,11 and 14. Three years ago, his wife was ordered to begin making child support payments, but she has not made one payment — a default that currently amounts to $16,380. H My wife and I separated in 1985 after she moved out and left the kids. We were both awarded joint custody, but I was granted physical custody, and it was determined that neither of us would have to pay support We were to

split all costs,” Bean recalled. ^ In 1987, however, Bean's wife kidnapped their three childrea and he was awarded full custody in August^ 1987, according to Beaa Bean said that she was ordered by the court to begin paying $35 per child per week on Oct 16, 1987. Her failure to make payment to the prosecutor’s Child Support Division has herex-husband steaming. “Why don’t they throw her in jail? Why are those people on the “10 Most Wanted” list and she’s not?” Bean asked, referring to one of the prosecutor’s initiatives during last month’s highly touted child support enforcement campaign. Sharon Bean declined to comment. Property liens, garnishment of wages and the threat of jail have been unsuccessful attempts to secure payments from Bean’s exwife. He said his ordeal is one

reviving door after another of endless court appearances which his ex-wife often chooses not to attend. Bean has sought additional part-time employment to make aids meet at home and to pay his attorney and court fees. “They need to act upon the threats. When we are in court, she flies off the handle using obscenities, and no one reprimands her. Could I get away with all of this bizarre behavior and not be penalized? I seriously doubt it,” Bean remarked. Although Bean’s complaint is common among many men who have custody of their children, the prosecutor’s office denies allegations of treating women differently from men. “Hie cases are all handled the same," explained Sally Paisa, See DEMAND, Page A4

Bayh Administration says

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‘Say No To Joe’ backfired

By JIM NELSON Staff Writer

Some African-American voters in Gary, led by Democratic precinct committeeman Keith Rogers, have started a campaign called “Say no to Joe" and me asking residents of Lake County not to support Joe Hogsett in tus efforts to hold on to his position as secretary of state. Hogsett supporters, however, are reporting just the opposite is happening in the Gary area and the “Say no to Joe” campaign has helped to eliminate a lot of voter apathy. Citing the lack of economic development in the Gary region as a primary factor, Rogers, whose mother is state Sen. Earline Rogers, says, “The reason why we are saying no to Joe Hogsett is because of the Bayh administration. We’re sending Evan Bayh a message in Gary. We are a city under siege and we’ve been needing help for 22 years,” Rogers said. Mike O’Connor, campaign manager for the Hogsett campaign, says the controversy has helped to generate interest in the election in the Gary area. “It certainly has mobilized the Gary Democratic leadership. It has mobilized the Gary Democratic party to get out and work that much harder," O’Connor said. “Joe’s disappointed that any Democrat would choose not to support him, but he recognizes their rights and obligation to speak their mind.”

Support for the Hogsett campaign has come from influential politicians in Gary, such as Mayor Thomas Barnes, Deputy Mayor Richard Comer, state Rep. Vernon Smith and others who are out gathering support for the secretary of state. The boycott effort also has not drawn much support from the Indiana Legislative Black Caucus, the group of African-American state legislators who represent most of Indiana's Mack voters. Hurley Good all, chairman of the caucus, says even with the protest, he will still support Hogsett. “From my own personal perspective I’m supporting Joe and I’m sorry that this has transpired," Goodall said. Goodall admits the Gary region needs a lot of economic assistance, but adds, the Bayh administration has done a lot of positive things such as naming an African-American to the Board of Trustees at Purdue University; speaking out about the problems minority contractors are having in the state with the construction industry and the appointment of the first African-American judge to serve on the newly established 5th District Court of Appeals. Another candidate for secretary of state, Theosie Nunn, an African American who Is a write-in candidate says, “I believe it’s going to hurt him (Hogsett). There is not a large number of people involved, but the people in Gary are listening to them.” Nunn says if elected he will appoint an AfricanSee BAYH Page A18

Do women pay child support when men have custody of the children? Some men say no, but the prosecutor’s office says all are treated equally.

Still no arrests in Ervin murder

Sheriffs Dept, accused of draggingfeet

By KIM L. HOOPER Staff Writer Although they have some suspects, investigators from the Marion County Sheriffs Department have Vet to make an arrest in the murder of a prominent Indianapolis businessman who was killed late last year. Wilmoth Ervin, 43-year-old ownerof Brokerage Construction Co., was found shot to death in his garage in the 1800 block of

W. Kessler Blvd. Dec. 27,1989. dianapolis Police Department Although the incident occurred agree the case should have been 10 months ago, the case remains solved long ago. unsolved, causing some critics to “This was an easy case. In May, question the way the investigation Wilmoth was shot as he was getis being handled. Both sheriffs tingoutofhisautomobile.thesame department dectectives and Ervin identical way he was killed a couple family members say they are frus- of months later. Someone laid in trated. wait for him in May and again in “From interviews, I think I know December. He knew the man who who did it, but there is not enough had promised to kill him because evidence tocharge the individual,” he saw him the first time, and he said Sheriffs Det. Sgt. Reginald told police,” said Sgt John LarkRoney. ins. However,HaroldErvin,brother Ervin owned a home-remodel-of the victim, does not believe ing firm and had been accused of enough is being done to make an shoddy business practices by some arrest. “Just knowing who did it is of his customers. He had filed for not going to bring my brother Chapter 11 bankraptcy after being back,” Ervin said. “This is so great sued by 25 ex-customers in 1987. in depth, I can’t begin to explain it One woman claimed Ervin bilked Homicide detectives in the In- ^ ee ERVIN, Page A10

Few changes expected on Election Day By JIM NELSON Staff Writer With the Nov. 6 elections just a few days away, most candidates are gearing up for the media blitz that has become the familiar sign that the end of the political season is here. All of the last minute hoopla will do little to change the fate of some politicians. Most favorites are expected to win easily, while other See VOTERS, Page A20

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