Attorney Mark Nicholson confirmed the actions are related to a misconduct investigation into a now-former Plainfield police officer.

The Hendricks County prosecutor is dismissing 79 cases and reviewing two dozen more. The actions are related to a misconduct investigation into a now former Plainfield

police officer who is facing charges. The unfolding scandal surrounding former Plainfield Police Department detective Valentin Khazin continues to send shockwaves through the community. Khazin, who was charged with official misconduct and false informing, is now at the center of a widening investigation that has resulted in the dismissal or review of over a hundred cases.

The Plainfield Police Department hasn't disclosed the details of what started the investigation. However, Officer Khazin resigned upon learning the chief of police was initiating disciplinary action against him. Investigators claim, Khazin attempted to force someone to make false accusations against another police officer.

An email from the Hendricks County prosecutor to the Hendricks County Public Defender’s Office that dozens of cases are being reviewed or dismissed. The email said prosecutors are dismissing misdemeanor cases and infraction cases in which Khazin was the lead detective. The prosecutor’s office will also review felony cases in which Khazin may have played a role. Unfortunately, the county has not yet publicly identified which cases are involved.

Plainfield Police Department

The Plainfield Police Department released a statement, saying it asked Indiana State Police to investigate Khazin after “alleged misconduct was discovered.” The Indiana State Police confirmed that it is conducting an investigation into a “public official” in Hendricks County. However, at the time, the law enforcement agency said it would not confirm the name of the person at the center of an investigation unless charges were filed or an arrest was made.

The Plainfield Police Department hired Khazin in March 2020. He resigned on Aug. 30, 2023.

Attorney Mark Nicholson said, “Officer Khazin could be charged with a felony and false informing. Also, I find it interesting they appeared to move so fast on him for trying to falsely accuse other law enforcement officers. However, how long did they turn a blind eye to him falsely accusing fellow citizens?”