Surety Company Bombshell: LaPorte Prosecutor Sean Fagan's Bond Expired Over a Year Ago – Reporter Takes Evidence Straight to AG Rokita

Hoosier Enquirer Exclusive

Indianapolis, Indiana - January 28, 2026; In a revelation that calls into question the legal standing of one of Indiana's key public officials, LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan has been confirmed to be without a valid surety bond, a requirement under state law for faithfully performing his duties. This development stems from a letter obtained by Hoosier Enquirer from Western Surety Company, the issuer of Fagan's bond, explicitly stating that the bond expired on December 31, 2024, and was not renewed. Furthermore, the company could not locate any other bond for Fagan in their database, leaving him uninsured and potentially in violation of Indiana statutes governing public officials. The confirmation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Fagan's office, highlighted by Hoosier Enquirer reporter's in-person report to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita's office on January 20, 2025.

Our Michigan City reporter and advocate for judicial accountability, submitted evidence alleging that Fagan was breaking the law by continuing to serve without the mandated bond. This action was part of a broader effort to address perceived misconduct, including prior accusations of prosecutorial overreach in local cases.Bond Expiration: Details from Western SuretyThe letter, dated December 8, 2025, and addressed to Poulard, responds to a claim filed against Bond No. 66489818, with Fagan as the principal, Western Surety Company as the surety, and the State of Indiana as the obligee. In it, Authorized Representative Nancy A. Leibel states: "This bond was not renewed and expired on 12-31-2024. We could not locate another bond on our database for Sean Fagan. Since the matter involving your claim occurred after 12-31-24, there is no liability under this bond."The letter further denies the claim, noting that events in 2025 fall outside the bond's coverage period. It references Indiana Code IC 5-4-1-10, which stipulates: "All official bonds shall be payable to the state of Indiana; and every such bond shall be obligatory to such state, upon the principal and sureties, for the faithful discharge of all duties required of such officer by any law, then or subsequently in force, for the use of any person injured by any breach of the condition thereof.

"Under Indiana law, prosecuting attorneys are specifically required to execute an individual surety bond. Indiana Code § 5-4-1-20 mandates that elected prosecutors post a bond of at least $10,000 for the faithful performance of their duties, filed with the circuit court clerk. More critically, IC 5-4-1-18 outlines bond requirements for local officers, while IC 5-4-4-15 empowers county commissioners to examine bonds and declare an office vacant if they are found insufficient—such as in cases of expiration or non-renewal—and the official fails to provide a new one within six days. Fagan's lack of a valid bond means he is not insured against potential liabilities, exposing taxpayers and the public to risks if misconduct occurs.

Operating without this safeguard could constitute a violation, potentially leading to removal from office or other disciplinary measures. Background on Fagan and the Implications Sean Fagan, a Republican, was elected as LaPorte County's Prosecuting Attorney in 2022, defeating incumbent John Lake and assuming office in January 2023. His tenure has included high-profile initiatives, such as aggressive prosecutions for child support non-payment, drug dealing convictions, and a 2023 lawsuit against county commissioners for access to predecessor emails, supported by AG Rokita's office. Recent cases, like the January 2026 sentencing of two men for drug crimes, demonstrate his active role in the 32nd Judicial Circuit.

However, this bond issue strikes at the core of official integrity. Without a valid surety bond, Fagan's ability to legally hold office is in doubt. Indiana Code § 5-4-1-9 specifies that failure to provide a bond prevents an officer from taking office initially, and extensions like IC 5-4-4-15 allow for vacancy declarations upon insufficiency. While some reports from the Indiana State Board of Accounts note a lack of explicit penalties for mid-term lapses, the law's intent is clear: bonds must be maintained to ensure accountability.

The Attorney General's office, which has previously collaborated with Fagan, received Poulard's complaint over a year ago but has not publicly commented on any investigation. Hoosier Enquirer reached out to Rokita's office, Fagan's office, and the LaPorte County Board of Commissioners for statements but received no responses by publication time.

This case underscores broader concerns about oversight in Indiana's public offices. As Poulard stated in his complaint, allowing an uninsured prosecutor to continue could undermine justice and public trust. Hoosier Enquirer will monitor developments, including any potential actions by county officials or the state to address this lapse. As an outlet dedicated to uncovering truths that mainstream media might ignore, Hoosier Enquirer urges transparency and adherence to the law from all elected officials. Updates will follow as more information emerges.