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Indianapolis, Indiana: 02-11-2025 5:30am EST; Updated 6:52 am EST
In the heart of South Bend area, Indiana, a story of alleged corruption, deceit, and intimidation has emerged, casting a long shadow over the legacy of Tim Corbett, a former officer of the St. Joseph Metro Police and current member of the South Bend Community School Corp. Board. This narrative not only questions the integrity of one man's career but also the systemic practices within the police force and the influence of political affiliations on legal proceedings.
The Genesis of the Allegations
The story begins with a personal connection turned into a professional scandal. Alexis Gray, now known as Alexis Rivas Shear, was once romantically involved with Corbett. Years later, this past relationship would come back to haunt both when Rivas Shear, then an investigative journalist for ABC21 News and later for NBC Universal Media, LLC, uncovered a series of disturbing admissions from Cobertt.
In April 2019, Rivas Shear reached out to Mario Sims, who had transitioned from an accused felon to a respected Senior Pastor at Doulos Chapel. Sims had been convicted of rape in 1994 under Case Number: 71D02-9401-CF-000060, a conviction that would later be questioned based on new revelations. During her visit to the church, Rivas Shear revealed to Sims that Cobertt had confessed to her about planting evidence against him and possibly other black men during his tenure as a police officer. This confession was recorded, marking a pivotal moment in this unfolding narrative.
The Immediate Aftermath
The interview was cut short by an urgent call from Rivas Shear's station, where she was advised of her status as a witness to a crime due to Corbett’s admission. This revelation not only endangered her but also highlighted the potential for a miscarriage of justice. Frightened by the implications of her findings, Rivas Shear suggested to Sims that he wait before taking public action, as she needed time to strategize with her station about the next steps.
After a week of silence, Pastor Sims, concerned for both his safety and the truth, contacted Rivas Shear, only to find her fearful for her life. This fear was not unfounded; another reporter, Jacklyn Kelly, had previously been harassed to the extent she had to leave Southbend, allegedly at the behest of someone under Cobertt's command when he was St. Joseph Metro Homicide Commander. Moreover, Sims himself had been the target of harassment, leading to several police reports filed with both the Indiana State Police and St. Joseph Metro Police.
Alexis Rivas Shear is on the right and Jacklyn Kelly on the left.
Political Dimensions and Retaliation
The story takes a darker turn with the political motivations behind Sims' prosecution. Initially running as a Democrat, Sims switched to the Republican party in a subsequent election cycle. This change in political allegiance, according to Sims, led to his being targeted by the Democratic establishment, which he claims was racially biased against black candidates. His ex-wife, who passed away four years after his release from prison, reportedly admitted to lying under oath, claiming she was coerced by Corbett’s threats.
This case illustrates a potential abuse of power where law enforcement might have been used as a tool for political retribution, highlighting a disturbing intersection of race, politics, and justice in Southbend.
The Media's Role and Alleged Suppression
The media's silence on this issue has been as telling as the allegations themselves. Gannet, a major player in local news media and known for its affiliations with Democratic donors, has been accused of suppressing this story. Despite reaching out for comment, Gannet has not responded, leaving an open question about media influence in local politics and justice.
Attempts at Accountability
Attempts to seek accountability have been met with resistance or silence:
- Official Reports: Rivas Shear made police reports with Officer Davin Hackett at the Elkhart Police Department, informing several local figures, including former South Bend Board of Public Safety President Pat Cotrell and City Councilman Derek Dieter, who are also former police officers. These reports, however, have not sparked the expected investigations.
- Lack of Response: Both Corbett and the St. Joseph Metro Police have remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the allegations. This silence from the accused and his former department raises further questions about transparency and accountability.
The Broader Implications
This case is not just about Corbett or Sims; it's about the systemic issues it might reveal:
- Corruption in Law Enforcement: The allegations suggest a scenario where evidence was manipulated, undermining the very foundations of justice.
- Political Influence on Legal Outcomes: The narrative points to a potential misuse of legal systems for political gain, especially concerning racial dynamics in political representation.
- Media and Power: The alleged suppression by Gannet illustrates how media ownership might affect what stories are told or buried, impacting public perception and justice.
- Community Trust: Incidents like these erode public trust in both law enforcement and the media, critical pillars of society.
The Current Standoff
As of now, the story hangs in a balance, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of response from key figures and institutions involved does little to quell the controversy or bring closure to those affected. For Sims, Rivas Shear, and the community of South Bend, the fight for truth and justice continues, with hopes pinned on further investigations or a shift in public and official acknowledgment of these serious allegations.
All of this was confirmed through our research investigators at Hoosier Enquirer, we reached out to every living person involved in this case.
Official Court Documents:
We reached out to both Corbett and the St. Joseph Metro Police but haven't received any responses. We also asked for the videotape interview where Tim admitted to planting evidence on black men, specifically targeting Mario Sims, but ABC 21 has not replied either.
The Hoosier Enquirer will continue to follow this story, providing updates as more information becomes available.
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