Jeff Hern’s campaign manager Debbie Driskell sent an e-mail Wednesday afternoon to his supporters saying the Hamilton County Council candidate is in a “tough situation” and will not comment on an ongoing investigation into allegations of campaign sign theft.

According to Driskell, Hern “respects the decision of the prosecutor’s office to look into this matter and will continue to cooperate fully.”  Driskell’s message goes on to say that Hern will not be commenting on the matter personally at this time “due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry.”

An opposing candidate for an at-large council seat, Rick McKinney, reported to sheriff’s authorities that a cell phone belonging to Fall Creek Township Trustee Hern was found near the site of a location in Fishers where McKinney says his campaign signs were taken. Hern has been interviewed by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department about the incident and the prosecutor’s office is reportedly reviewing the matter.

Hern and McKinney are 2 of 5 candidates in the council race.  The three candidates receiving the most votes in the May 3rd Republican primary election will appear on the general election ballot in November.  No Democrats have filed to run for the council seats.