Suspended lawyer sentenced to a year in jail, decade of SO registration

(Original Post 3-7-08)

A 56 year old attorney was sentenced to a year in jail and a decade of SO registration pending an appeal for sexually assaulting a 47 year old woman. Former Hebron Town Council President and suspended attorney Michael Haughee will report to the Porter County (IN) jail Monday if the sentencing judge, Judge Mary Harper, does not let him stay out on bond pending his appeal, which could take a year or more.

"I'm absolutely innocent," Haughee said. "I did none of these things."A jury found Haughee guilty in January on felony counts of sexual battery and criminal confinement and a misdemeanor count of interference with the reporting of a crime. If the charges remain after appeal, Haughee will be prohibited from going back to work as an attorney, the judge said.

A disabled Hebron woman said Haughee showed up at her apartment Feb. 18, 2006, and forced a kiss on her, began groping her chest and prevented her from using her telephone to call for help.The woman said Thursday she still fears Haughee and will not rest until he is behind bars. She called for the maximum seven-year sentence.

"He needs time in prison to think what a woman is and that women are not just sex toys," she said.

Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek opposed the delayed sentence, saying Haughee had earlier involvement with police, including accusations 20 years ago of having inappropriate contact with another woman. Four people testified on Haughee's behalf, including his son, Frank Haughee, who said his father taught him respect for all people. Harper sentenced Haughee to one year in jail, which can be completed in half that time with good behavior. Upon his release, he is to spend a year on formal probation, register for 10 years as a sex offender and undergo HIV testing, sex offender treatment and a mental health evaluation.

Haughbee is prohibited from any further contact with his 47 year old victim.

(Update 6-12-08) Haughee asked that he be transfered from jail to prison because prison has a more extensive law library which he needs to work on appeals he has filed more easily. The motion was denied.