Newly re-elected Indiana commissioner takes plea deal on Las Vegas sex charge

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A recently re-elected out-of-state county commissioner arrested in Las Vegas could get probation as part of a plea deal on a sexual assault charge, records said.

In June, John Jessup, 49, a Republican, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a felony sex assault charge. Jessup, a county commissioner in Shirley County, Indiana — outside of Indianapolis — allegedly assaulted a woman he knew after a night out at a gentleman’s club.

Jessup told police there was “nothing criminal” about what he had done and reiterated that it was just a “f***ed up, drunk night,” documents said.

Records show Jessup agreed to plead guilty Thursday to a lesser charge of attempted sexual assault, a felony. As part of the deal, a judge could sentence him to at least two years in prison or a term of probation.

According to 8 News Now’s sister station, FOX59/CBS4, Jessup’s term was scheduled to end on Dec. 31. However, voters elected Jessup to a county council position earlier this month. Jessup was elected as one of three Republican candidates, receiving more than 15,000 votes.

According to Indiana state law, felons are not eligible to hold office.

“Mr. Jessup decided to keep his name on the ballot after charges were filed,” Hancock County Republican Chair Janice Silvey said in a statement. “He later verbally and via text committed to resigning if elected. Until the legal process concludes or he resigns, the party has no further role. Pursuant to Indiana Code 5-8-1-38, should Mr. Jessup be convicted of a felony offense, he is ineligible to hold an office in Indiana. If Mr. Jessup resigns or a felony conviction occurs, the party would then need to call a caucus to fill his position.

Jessup’s sentencing was scheduled for April 24.

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