SOUTH BEND — An emergency court hearing was held today to relieve Town of Lakeville Clerk Treasurer Casey Grove of his duties after felony charges were filed against him earlier this week.

Grove, 30, is still at large, according to court officials, after failing to show up for his arraignment Monday. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The elected official has been charged with residential entry, a Class D felony, and battery, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly attacking his girlfriend last week.

The incident happened about 9:30 p.m. Oct. 22, when Grove reportedly discovered his 20-year-old girlfriend lying in bed with a male friend and broke into the friend’s house.

Grove then punched, kicked and strangled the woman, until she was able to break away, according to court documents.

During Thursday’s hearing, attorneys for the Town of Lakeville filed an emergency restraining order against Grove and asked that his access to any town funds be frozen. A temporary deputy treasurer also was appointed.

Town Council President John Kuhn declined comment on the situation after the hearing.

Continue to check this Web site and read Friday’s South Bend Tribune for updates on this story.

Staff writer Alicia Gallegos:
agallegos@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6368