State couldn't keep repeat offender off roadway before fatal region wreck

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BY MARISA KWIATKOWSKI
mkwiatkowski@nwitimes.com
219.662.5333 | Sunday, November 30, 2008 | (76 comment(s))

Ronald and Bonnie Hough carried their son's college diploma to the Christian Reformed Church cemetery in Munster where they buried him.

"We took his diploma to the cemetery to tell him how proud we were of him," Bonnie Hough said, tears welling up in her eyes. "It was the most horrific day of our lives."

Stephen Hough was buried four days before his college graduation. The ashes of the 26-year-old's fiancee, Amy Bartelmey, were buried in his arms.

The couple and well-known defense attorney Garry Weiss died in an April 29 accident following the actions of a drunken driver the system couldn't keep off the road, a Times investigation shows.

Mario Cadena careened his Jeep Grand Cherokee on the wrong side of the road through a stop sign at the intersection of 101st Avenue and Randolph Street, causing a three-car crash.

Weiss, 53, of Crown Point; Hough, 26, of Merrillville; Bartelmey, 25, of Hobart; and Cadena, 30, of Crown Point, all died of blunt force trauma with massive internal injuries, Lake County Coroner David Pastrick said.

Cadena's blood-alcohol level was 0.17 the night of the fatal wreck, Pastrick said. Indiana's legal limit is 0.08.

At the time, Cadena already was a twice-convicted drunken driver whose license had been suspended seven times since 2002, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Lake County Superior Court records show.

And being an illegal immigrant, Cadena never should have been issued a driver's license to begin with, state officials concede.

Repeat offender

Cadena was charged for an alleged drunken driving accident in 2001, a year before he ever applied for a driver's license, state and Lake County court records show.

He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to six months of probation, five days of community service and drug and alcohol counseling, the plea agreement states.

In return, Lake County prosecutors dropped the misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

Cadena's second alleged drunken driving case came less than two years after the first one settled. He again pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation, alcohol and drug counseling, and his driver's license was suspended for three months, the plea agreement in that case states.

Both drunken driving arrests were the result of car accidents.

In all, Cadena was slapped with 13 traffic citations -- including two drunken driving arrests -- dating back to 2001, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles records show.

He had overlapping driver's license suspensions between 2002 and 2005, state records show, and his license expired in January 2007.

But Cadena, who was an illegal immigrant, should never have been issued a license at all.

BMV issues

Cadena finagled a driver's license in 2002 from a former Gary branch of the BMV without a valid U.S. Social Security number, BMV spokesman Dennis Rosebrough said.

Despite multiple infractions on his driving record, officials never noticed a Social Security number was missing.

"We weren't doing that level of checking then," Rosebrough said.

The BMV bulked up its security in the past six years as a result of multiple scandals involving illegal immigrants who secured driver's licenses and state identification cards by bribing BMV employees, Rosebrough said.

Three BMV employees were charged and later convicted in Marion County for bribery and official misconduct, according to the Marion County prosecutor's office.

And three Chinese nationals were convicted in the early 2000s in federal court in Hammond for either obtaining state identification cards or steering others to do so, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Last November, the state transitioned to a direct online process provided by the Social Security Administration to verify Social Security numbers. That work was done by a third-party vendor in the past.

Rosebrough said all of the agency's records were purged and are accurate as of November 2007.

Advocates for change

But the BMV improvements do little to ease the hearts of Ronald and Bonnie Hough.

The couple said they are concerned prosecutors and courts are in such a hurry to dispose of cases that they forget their duty -- keeping the streets of Indiana safe.

They advocate for the courts to use ignition interlock systems, which require periodic breath tests from drivers convicted of drunken driving offenses. The system requires a breath test not only at the time of starting the vehicle but also randomly during the drive, which discourages attempts to have someone other than the driver submit samples.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office is "overwhelmed" by alcohol-related offenses.

He said there is merit to the use of ignition interlock, but the systems are used sparingly because of expense.

"Many times, the interlock system is used as an alternative to sentencing someone to jail," he said. "It's not utilized as often as it could be or should be."

All parties in the case acknowledge Cadena's dismissal of court orders and BMV directives resulted in his death and the deaths of Hough, Bartelmey and Weiss.

"He was definitely the heart of our family," Ronald Hough said of his son.

Stephen Hough scholarship fund
To contribute to the scholarship fund created in Hough's name, send a check to the Purdue University Calumet Office of Advancement, 2200 169th St., Hammond, IN 46323. The check should have Stephen Hough's name on it. Once the fund reaches $25,000, scholarships will be given annually.

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adriane wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:18 AM:

" steve and amy were two of my best friends. reading this article published at the end of november breaks my heart. it happened in late april. i miss them so much.

drunk driving happens everywhere regardless of laws and other regulations. the blame is on the man who got behind the wheel of his car loaded. it's not just your own life you hold in your hand with that set of keys. they deserved better than this. "

Joe C wrote on Dec 5, 2008 4:48 PM:

" To Our Fault,
Are you saying the illegal alien was a redneck?
Or are you calling yourself a redneck, when claiming it’s our fault? "

Our Fault wrote on Dec 5, 2008 3:39 PM:

" Unfortunately, the local redneck factor considers drinking and driving to be part of the local culture. They feel the .08 limit is not an accuracy margin for the DUI tests, but rather an endorsement of it being OK to drive if you've only had a 'little bit' to drink. Humans are bad enough at driving when we're 100% sober! "

Joe C wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:32 AM:

" To Mary,
There are multiple issues in this case and dialogue on all these issues from the drinking and driving, an ill-funded justice system unable to lock up all those that should be.
A failure at the BMV, ICE unwilling to pick up illegals, law enforcement in some areas unwilling to work with ICE; and those feeling no respect for our borders, or other laws that hinder their own personal.

Anyone of these issues could of kept not just Steve and Amy safe, but literally thousands of other victims across the country yearly.
I understand you may have compassion for illegal aliens but not everyone feels the same and many feel all these issues deserve dialogue. This is really the bottom line, and I’m really sorry for your lose. I don’t think anyone is forgetting the empty spaces left from this preventable lose of loved ones. "

Judy wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:23 AM:

" I KNOW HOW THE FAMILY IS FEELING LOOSING THIER CHILD TO A DRUNK DRIVER, TODAY DEC 5TH IS NINE YEARS THAT BY SON WAS KILLED MY A DRUNK DRIVER. THIS WAS IN PORTER COUNTY AND A PLEA BARGAIN ALSO WAS GIVEN. THERE IS NO JUSTICE WAS THE VICTIM OR THEIR FAMILY. MAY GOD BE WITH AND YOUR FAMILY. WE NEED JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIM NOT THE DRUNKS WHO WANT TO DRINK AND DRIVE. "

Karen wrote on Dec 5, 2008 7:26 AM:

" It is very sad that America cannot have 1 set of rules, fines and penalities for violating them - no matter who you are, an illegal immigrant or son of a judge. Oh yea, what would all the attorneys do then with no plea bargains and no huge fees to collect . . . how silly of me ! "

Mary wrote on Dec 4, 2008 3:38 PM:

" I only wish you all would have had the chance to know Steve and Amy. Bottom line is drinking and driving kills people. Getting angry with the judicial system, illegal immigrants and what have you is not going to change what happened. Start writing to your legislator, rally for change, teach your children drinking and driving kills, take the keys away from your friends. These were people's lives that were taken from us. They lived for change, and I urge each of you to do this same. "

Please dont drink and drive wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:32 PM:

" In the November 2,2008 edtions of the times this is how Judge Julie N. Cantrell decribed her job. "My goals upon taking the bench 11 years ago were t0 make my court the busiest, most efficient and cost effective court in LC
Since elected I have disposed of more than a quarter million cases. My cost per case was lower than 37.92. I bet the Houghs think there children were worth more than that. "

me wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:10 AM:

" Its so sad that lives had to be lost because this guy liked drinking and driving. I dont understand this guy was a habitual offender and here illegally why wasnt he in jail? Had he been caught with drugs as many times he was caught drinking and driving (without a license too) he'd been locked up for 5-10 years. But since alcohol is legal he just got slaps on the wrist the state let him go out and kill these people. They knew he had a problem yet they let him go. Just like Otis the town drunk just arrest the drunks over and over and let them go until they kill one of us or themselves. "

to Hangman wrote on Dec 3, 2008 8:11 AM:

" I agree with you, it is not the fault of the police officers. This falls squarely on the shoulders of the prosecutors and the judge. I firmly believe that when an illegal is arrested or casues any harm to a citizen, the law should require the illegal to be held until the INS arrives and the law should allow for immediate deportation. We have enough home grown troublemakers in the U.S. We don't need guests appearances from other countries that broke a law to get here. "

C. Howitfeels wrote on Dec 3, 2008 4:04 AM:

" I blame the unions. They have controlled LC for years and this is the result. "

hangman wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:42 PM:

" As a police officer I have only been to trial on an OWI arrest once in 10 years on the job and have made about 50 OWI arrests. So tell me if it is the police's fault or the prosecutors. "

hangman wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:40 PM:

" It is not the police's fault. Police cannot arrest someone for being an illegal immigrant. Even if they could the INS would not come and deport them. This was caused by the prosecutor's office of not requsting jail time. This is also an immigration issue. "

Wow wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:21 PM:

" I can't even imagine what this family is going through. This guy should have been deported as so many people say. I think that the cops who were arresting him should have done some better looking before letting him go. I too was hit by a habitual traffic offender. He was arrested a few times, sited for speeding and driving with no insurance, lost his license for 3 years for a "medical condition" and had it back only two months before he smashed us. What did the police do? The sited him for following two close and no insurance. What happened to me? Well, had to repair the damage to my car that was hit six different times and pay for my own damages. What kind of justice is that? None. I wish this guy would have lived so that he might have the book thrown at him as well as being deported. Maybe we need to look at the police departments too. "

kathy wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:16 PM:

" Complicated case, to say the least. Illegal status, lenient court system, drunk driving, bad intersection. Many points have been brought up with which I agree.

1. Stiffer penalties for drunk drivers. No plea bargaining.
2. Stop advertising for alcohol. No TV spots, no magazines, no billboards, etc. Make it as unattractive as cigarettes. Increase prices on alcohol in stores and bars to staggering, as they did with cigarettes.
3. Breathalizers, counseling, jail, etc. for legal residents/citizens; deportation for illegals.
4. Prosecution for those working in the system who dropped the ball.
5. A light at that intersection.

I hope this case becomes a precident and helps to change laws for the better. "

P OWED wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:13 PM:

" THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE LAWS SHOULD BE SENT TO MEXICO. "

HEADLINE says it ALL wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:32 AM:

" this criminal must have had a yob to pay the different attorneys listed online which indicates TWELVE different traffic/criminal cases. it should be noted that an INTERPRETER was provided in the courtroom. red flags everwhere on this one, but i guess if you have money it does not matter if you are here LEGALLY or not.

0.17 kills, but so does greed! "

pssh.. wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:59 AM:

" That is the Lake County Court system. "

Sad wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Way to go judge cantrell you are one smart person. How do you let a person like this get off? I feel like you caused this, by letting him go free. I also feel like it's time to hang up your robe and put on your bright orange jump suit and pay for the crime that you permitted. I pray for these families that lost their loved ones. Judge julie please do not run again do lake county a favor and step down "

Cindy wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Judge Cantrell stands on her record of disposing of a high number of cases. Look at what has happened when that is more important than our citizens safety; three people lost their lives. This horrific accident should have never happened. Why can't we get rid of government officials like this? If they do change the system of retaining judges to a merit based system, Cantrell should be fired immediately. "

Jill wrote on Dec 1, 2008 5:51 PM:

" I am in a class at PUC that Steve took during his last semester at school. I am using him and the artilce that his mother wrote as my inspiration. My project is about Agenda Setting and what the media wants us to see. I would not have know about this article unless a friend told me about it. The media needs to hear more stories like this instead of what crazy stunt Brittney is pullin this week. If people realized how dangerous that intersection was or that this murderer basically laughed at our legal system, more lives would be saved and Steve and Amy would still be with us!! So please, spread the word and do not let the people who were involved get away with it!! If this were your friend or child, would you let it go??? "

Thanks Judge Julie wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:43 PM:

" How are you able to sleep at night? "

Wrong it is about immigration wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:37 PM:

" If this guy had been sent back to where ever he came from for breaking the law the first time he was caught, since he was an illegal at the time, 3 innocent people that were not drinking would be alive today. Anyone in country illegally should be sent home if they are caught breaking ANY other law. I say other because they already broke a law when they entered the U.S. illegally. Why give them the opportunity to break more laws? They are not citizens, they are not entitled to constitutional rights, they are CRIMINALS and nothing more. "

Roy Biggins wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:10 PM:

" How can anyone say this is not an immigration issue? Just remember Julie Cantrell the next time she comes up for re-election. She should just follow her father to wherever he's going. Bye bye. "

Ed wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:22 PM:

" I don't believe that this is an immigration issue and I don't believe that this is just about drunk driving. Our fine legislators, both democrat and republican have seen fit to put into law so many regulations but do little or nothing to inforce them. We have people driving drunk, we have people driving vehicles that are in need of repair so badly that you might not be able to tell if they were in an accident, we have people who are breaking the law everywhere. Stop passing new laws unless you can inforce the existing ones and stop allowing criminals to slip through or buy their way out of it.

All of this said, it is more than a shame that three of these people lost their lives. It is unclear to me that the fourth deserves such recognition. His family certainly deserves our sympathy. "

JMC wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:08 PM:

" You can go to lakecountyin.org and check the online docket to see the Judges who let this man thru the system. I feel that the Judges, their court staff and the Lake County Prosecutor’s office are partially responsible for what happened. Interesting that Judge Julie Cantrell let him off TWICE. I wonder if she sent him to counseling so her father could get a kick back. It is time we stand up against this in Lake County. The next victim we save could be our family or friend. "

Thank Judge Cantrell wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Judge Julie Cantrell was the last judge this guy was in front of before he, Cardena, took the lives of these people. I wonder if she figured Cardena was worth more to her and her convict father if she sentenced him to go to pay for counseling at Nancy Fromm's place. "

CJD wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:51 AM:

" The states ranked highest in gross domestic product correlate closely with the percentage of illegal immigrants residing in their state. If immigrants were a huge drain on society one would expect these states to have failing economies, but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. Coincidence? I think not. "

This is not an immigration matter get a clue wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:21 AM:

" I live in a nice NW Indiana town and my non-immigrant neighbor was just arrested two weeks ago for DWI. A pillar of the community, active with his children - puts on a good show. He is not an immigrant yet he could have killed someone on the road a few weeks ago just as the immigrant in the story did. There need to be very stiff penalties for DWI!!! My neighbor has just paid the fines and he is good to go, I cannot accept that. It is just like when you were a child, if you got away with something rather than dealing with a harsh penalty, you were much more likely to do it again.

Why can't we toughen up?

My neighbor is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. "

chris wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:17 AM:

" any visitor to this country should be deported on any arrest no matter what,and this guy had two prior arrests which both included alcohol and accidents,but he was given 5 days community service? what a joke ,and as far as counseling ,what was he told to go see nancy froom at robert cantrell's counseling service ,i would hate to think 4 peaple lost there lives for some pocket change for rich peaple. "

Grumpy wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:15 AM:

" I like the way Democrats are blamed for our immigration problem. You have three Republican Governors in Texas, Arizona, and California. They have done very little to stop immigration. In Arizona people have even formed vigilante groups to stop them because McCain has done nothing to stop them.
Who did you say wanted their votes? "

to come on wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:28 AM:

" let me get this right... you dont think this is an immigration matter? well it is and that fact alone on the first offense would have sent him packing and saved a life... another point.. jails are too expensive? but you want free taxi rides, lets cater to the drunks and make everyone foot the bill ... you need to get in touch with reality "

Brian Bultema wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:25 AM:

" Thank you Marisa for an excellent follow-up to a terrible tragedy. Though these are awful events, there are always things to be learned. Thank you for pointing out a few of them. "

Thank Bernie wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:08 PM:

" You can thank Bernie and his office - and the Lake County Judges - for allowing these plea bargains for multiple alcohol offenses. It's a joke! Porter County's Prosecutor's Office is aggressive on alcohol related driving offenses. Nothing will change until the Lake County Prosecutor decides they are worth getting aggressive over. "

come on wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:47 PM:

" I'm sure it feels good to mindlessly rant at a tragic circumstance. But it does nothing to further the debate.

This is not an immigration issue; to say otherwise is race baiting. regardless of one's position on immigration, these people are dead because someone drank and drove.

Perhaps if he was legally licensed, he would have insurance to compensate these people.

Next, jail for everyone sounds nice but is impractical. we already have more people in prison than India. We cannot afford it and what of the offender's love ones? Plus, who of the commenters have never driven when impaired?

We need to take a hard look at what measures can be taken to reduce drunk driving. I applaud the Hough's for placing their priorities on that. The idiots who have commented so far only demean the Hough's noble efforts.

Better use of pre-trial conditions. Alcohol education and counseling. Ignition interlock. PBT tests readily available at bars and restaurants. m Better taxi and public transportation (free if necessary). More alternates to punishment if the potential drunk driver makes smart decisions...etc. "

no-2-voter wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:27 PM:

" Voter's comment is way off the mark. The vast majority of "legals" will have liability insurance. The vast majority of illegals don't. I mean, why should they follow the law that mandates such insurance? So the survivors most likely get another kick in the teeth instead of a settlement that would at least at least help them bury the victims! "

Please wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:22 PM:

" The illegal immigration issue that everyone is determined to bring to the forefront is just one aspect of this tragedy. Illegal immigrants aren't the only ones out there driving drunk. As a matter of fact, there are probably far fewer illegal immigrants out there killing our loved ones than there are citizens. More often than not it's the good citizens of this beloved country that are getting tanked and killing friends and family members. And let's not forget about the good people in civil service that are put on this earth to "Serve and Protect" and instead are given a gun and drive around "protecting our streets" while intoxicated. So you can blame it on the illegal immigrant that should have been caught the first, second and third time he was busted, but the problem is much more far reaching! Stop using this platform for expressing your hatred for illegals and recognize the issue at hand. If you drive drunk...you lose your privilege to drive! Any other extenuating factors will be addressed once this one has been properly handled. There should be NO ROOM for second chances when a person is caught driving drunk!! "

Jay wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:36 PM:

" I, for one, do not drink...I believe it's a disgusting chemical to pollute one's body with. In no means should anyone get behind the wheel of a car with even an ouce of alcohol in their body. But...I also believe that if you can seriously think prohibition should be law, then MOVE TO IRAN! I hear Islamic Law prohibits drinking, and a whole lot of other things. Prohibition didn't work with booze, and as you can see with the how many millions of our population behind bars from using other drugs, it's not working with those either. Chemicals have been used to alter people's state of mind since man and ape scavenged for food. If you believe prohibition would work, either MOVE TO IRAN OR ELIMINATE HUMAN BEINGS FROM EXISTENCE. "

well wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:07 PM:

" I believe prohibition laws should be reinstated. But then people would be angry that they wouldnt be able to get loaded. How many of those people have drank a bit too much then drove home and luckily didnt get in an accident? sadly a lot. My heart goes out to these families. "

Ranger7219 wrote on Nov 30, 2008 4:55 PM:

" Okay seriously, does Dennis Rosebrough think that everyone in this state is as nieve as he is? In 2002 we were not doing social security number checks for drivers license issue? That is really funny considering in 2002 you could not get a state I.D. without your social security card yet we issued a license huh? Please, if you want to make excuses for why we have border jumpers holding U.S.Identification Illegally than at least make it believable. "

Joe C wrote on Nov 30, 2008 4:18 PM:

" Somewhat hypocritical for those to state this is not an illegal immigration issue.
There are major neglect infractions here by law enforcement, immigration, and the BMV.
One the fact after the first two dui’s, this scum wasn’t locked up.
Second the person was here illegally. If law enforcement and BMV and immigration did their jobs, three good people would be alive today.

Those stating this isn’t an immigration issue are as guilty as the illegal immigrants picking and choosing the laws they feel should be enforced or talked about.
It’s as much a illegal immigration problem and a drunk driving issue also. "

As usual wrote on Nov 30, 2008 3:45 PM:

" As usual, all you have to do is pay some money and you'll get probation. Looks to me, as with most murder cases in Lake County, that the Prosecutor's office's mandate of handing out slaps on the wrist set in motion the events that caused this tragedy. The BMV also is partially responsible, but the majority of the blame is on Bernie's office. Only when we start holding judges and prosecutors accountable for giving light sentences to repeat and violent criminals will any of us be safe. "

Heres a bad court ruling in action wrote on Nov 30, 2008 3:34 PM:

" Here's a good example of how screwed up our country is becoming. Read the 2008 court case of Silverman v. Villegas. In that case, 3 illegal aliens went to court in Indiana, suing the BMV. The illegals claimed that a new drivers license rule which required a valid social security number violated their constitutional rights to a drivers license. What constitutional rights do illegal aliens have? The illegals didn't get their licenses but were awarded $112,500 for legal fees. That's right, taxpayers paid $112,500. "

Legal wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:39 PM:

" What I'd like to know, is how did he come up with the cash to hire attorneys for the previous cases. He had to have had an attorney, because they do not give out sentences like that without a good lawyer. So there is another issue to add to the pile. If you have cash you can buy yourself out of a DUI. I've seen it many times. The person who goes in and pleads guilty or gets a public defender, gets a much stiffer sentence than those that can hire the best legal defense. Not right. "

To Be Real and Voter wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:34 PM:

" I think you're missing the point. These families are affected by this terrible tragedy by someone who shouldn't even be here in the first place. Yes, drunk is drunk and NO ONE should drive in that condition. But this guy was an illegal alien who should never have been breathing American air. Whenever something of this magnitude happens, everyone always wonders, what if they'd left 2 minutes earlier or 2 minutes later. In this case those poor families are haunted by the fact that the drunk driver never should have been at that cross section driving at all. "

Kick In The Teeth... wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:25 PM:

" Everything Cardena was responsible for here cost the tax payers money, including boxing him up and shipping him back to Mexico. How Sad. "

Concerned wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Karen from above, remember its not the defense attorneys that approve pleas its the prosecutors and judges that ok them! "

not just illegals wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:10 PM:

" This is NOT an issue only about illegals. It's about drunk drivers and keeping them out of cars, and off the streets. "

Concerned wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Maybe some prosecutor, BMV employee or judge should go to jail for this? After all who dropped the ball? "

disgusted wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:08 PM:

" I have the terrible distinction to have lost not one, but TWO friends killed by drunk drivers in SEPARATE incidents.

One was in Illinois, about 20 years ago. The victim was going home from work, a few days before Christmas. The tragedy was terrible. He was in a coma until Christmas day, until he died of his injuries, and he left 3 young children.

The second was in Indiana, and the victim was going home from work one night, and he was slammed into by a drunk being chased by police.

DRUNK DRIVERS HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. Maybe anyone convicted of drunk driving needs to be locked up for 20 years. Some states have very strict sentencing laws for first time drug users. Maybe this needs to be changed to include first time "drunk drivers". I don't mean to be harsh, but killing people with your car is wrong. "

Stop the War wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:59 PM:

" The prisons are full of crackheads and pot smokers. How's that War on Drugs working out for you? Get a clue! "

Joe C wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:46 PM:

" I’m surprised that the word illegal immigrant was even used in this story.
As the Times has overwhelmingly been supportive of illegal immigration.
This is more than just a story about a drunken driver.

Many families have needlessly suffered because of an indifferent government putting business interest and profits ahead of safety dealing with the illegal immigration issue.
So far, tragedy, job loss or costs from illegal immigration or even state ballots voted in overwhelmingly to end illegal immigration has not fazed government.
One must question what loss or more tragedy has to happen before obeying and enforcing laws become important? "

in one sense it is about wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:30 PM:

" the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT issue. if SOME"ONE" IN THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS would have noticed that C had no social security number (come on, he had to appear in court for all of these traffic/criminal offenses) maybe C would have been deported, thus sparing us of his future drunken adventures.

this brings to mind the family killed in a van due to the George Ryan Scams - now dick durbin would like to consider pardoning george.

i wonder how the people taking payoffs feel NOW?

my deepest sympathy to all who lost a loved one. i admire the hough's wanting to keep us safe in indiana; don't give up. may God bless you in your endeavors. "

Otto wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Cadenas would not have been here without employment. So tell us, please, who gave him work. Then we can decide whether we want to patronize that employer. We unwittingly enable illegals by buying products and services from their employers. How about some real investigative reporting? "

to Karen wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:16 PM:

" You ask who represented Cadenas. A better question is who represented you and me. The answer is that we were represented by Lake County Prosecutor Bernie Carter. "

Nan wrote on Nov 30, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I remember reading about this sad story when it first happened last spring. I was angered by it. My family has personally been victimized by three accidents this past year where the other driver either 1. did not have a valid license, 2. did not have insurance, and/or 3. was not a citizen of the US. It is apparent while riding on the roads of NWI and seeing so many people driving around without any regard for the rules of the road, that many of these people do not have proper licenses to drive, or that they haven't had any drivers education, or formal training. They are damaging property and taking people's lives. Something has got to be done. But, what's the big deal if the consequences to breaking these laws are only getting a slap on the wrist? This is a huge mess. "

bereal wrote on Nov 30, 2008 12:04 PM:

" This is not an issue of being illegal, it is an issue about drunk drivers. I lost a family member to a drunk driver, and he was a citizen. It is not just the illegals out there killing people. With the number of drunk drivers, the laws need to be harsher. We are all over the smokers, but at least with a smoker, we have the option to avoid them, but with a drunk driver, we have no options. "

Voter wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Being illegal had nothing to do with it; many people drive w/out a license. Would it have been better if the guy had a legal license? The people are STILL dead!!! "

Former SoCal Rez wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:19 AM:

" This isn't only a problem in Indiana. It's an even bigger problem in California. There are not only illegals driving anywhere, but needless to say, statistically, most of them are uninsured. I've always wondered how they're able to get their licenses. But in my opinion, this tragedy was caused moreover by Indiana's lenient drunk driving laws than by the fact that this guy was illegal. The law firm in California with the best record of getting DUI's dropped, is still only 50% successful at doing so, and that's for a FIRST time offense. The legislators in California are obviously doing something we're not. "

Tragic wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:36 AM:

" My sympathy to the familes. This should have never happened. Illegal is illegal and he should have been deported the first time. This terrible tragedy should be used Nationally as a reason to deport the illegals. The State employees involved should all be prosecuted and the lawyers stripped of their license to practice. "

IFIREGREG wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:05 AM:

" What our elected state officials like Mara Candelaria D 12th district need to realize is that illegal immigration affects us at the state level.
Illegal alien Mario Cadena should have been deported after his "FIRST" arrest!
The Indiana legislature need to stop protecting buisnesses that hire these illegals and fine them for each illegal alien they employ. Profit above the law is not the way we should run this country. "

LC resident wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:57 AM:

" LC Prosecutor Carter says they are "overwhelmed" by alcohol offenses. Then do something about it! Stop handing out probation like candy! The jail is too full you say? Then get rid of all of our LC employees that are being paid for not having any real duties or even being there at all and spend the money on another jail building in all of that vast land out there near the current jail. We have the money to do it. This guy should have been deported. This county is a joke! "

wendy sawyer wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:57 AM:

" Bonnie and Ron Hough are long time friends - I can not even image the pain they live with every day. This was a tragedy that should not of happen. Our legal system needs to wake up - take action - how many more parents/families will have to suffer before we take action to stop drunk drivers???? Add to the fact this driver was illegal and we gave him a license (which should not of happened) and conficted him not once but TWICE. How many chances do we give drunk drivers? How many more families need to suffer before we say no more?? Lets wake up - we make laws to protect but if those laws are not enforced they are worth nothing. To our lawmakers -I ask you for one day to live with the pain these families live with. Maybe then you will wake up to the actions that need to be taken to protect the innocent. My prayers to all the families who lost so much that night. "

Hammond wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:56 AM:

" This is just one more example of one governmental agency not talking to another. BMV not being able to check SS records. Courts not checking with immigration. And the courts not passing the judgements and handing out the sentences that they are supposed to. More thorough checks need to be conducted at the BMV when licenses are issued and renewed. This is the age of the computer and everything that is needed should only be a keystroke away. There is a way to keep habitual offenders from purchasing cars and auto insurance. Instead of taking away their driver's license we should impound their vehicle. Let them walk or call for a ride. This accident took the lives of 3 innocent people and left a child motherless. How many others need to be killed before we become very serious about keeping drunk drivers off our streets? "

Concerned wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Deepest sympathy to the family.

This country must take action on situations like this. A mistake happens only once, after that it's a crime. "

Send the illegals back home now wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Now that the democrats are throughly in power in the White House and Congress don't expect them to deport the illegals. Most likely, they will award them them citizenship to boost their voting base. "

Karen wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:54 AM:

" I would like to know who the attorney was who orchestrated these "plea bargains" - he/she is really an asset
to our communities - seems when some get their law licenses they forfeit their conscience - anything for a buck. "

Why wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:49 AM:

" My mom was hit by a drunk driver who had 22 convictions, and was still driving. He was driving on a "work permit," or some such thing as that.

Thankfully, totaled cars were the only casualties in her accident.

At some point, habitual offenders shouldn't be granted "work permits." It should be a felony at some point for habitual offenders to drive. Putting them in jail is the only way to guarantee they're not out on the roads. "

IFIREGREG wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:43 AM:

" All the more reason for our state legislatures to pass illegal immigration legislation this session!
How many other illegal aliens have committed crime after crime and are given a free pass to continue?
Illegal immigration is a state issue and needs to be addressed at the state level. "

Rose wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:19 AM:

" A really sad story. Our sympathies to the families. Being illegal, why was not he sent back the first time? The BMV even questions me about my eye color with my colored contacts. "

Dr. Lee wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:16 AM:

" Steve Hough was a student of mine at Purdue Calumet. He had a great interest in learning and improving his life. I know he worked very hard and cared very much for his fiance and his step child.

When I see such potential wiped out like this, I am disheartened. Steve had so much positive energy to share with the world. "

Dobie wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:13 AM:

" You get caught for DUI, you drive in to court, pay the fine, and then drive away.
It's just that simple!
It is impossible to keep car owners from driving licensed or not. "

Ernie B wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:51 AM:

" Democrats have sold our country down the drain. From the local to the national they have let this illegal problem harm our country for votes. This story has replayed across the US. to start off we should cut off all aid to the Mexican government. Yes this is a Mexican problem. Next immediately crack down on the employers and put them in prison. Then start throwing the illegals out now! The victims of this crime should never have died by this animals hands. He should have been tossed out the first time he has arrested. "

Ol Timer wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:13 AM:

" This article should be a MANDATORY read for every BMV employee and hire. Same thing for every Prosecutor, Police Officer and Public Defender in the state. Something as simple as a jail sentence leading to deportation would have led to 3 fine people still alive while a criminal was either in jail or out of the Country. Those BMV people thta took bribes should be in prison and personally liable for their actions. "

J. H. G. wrote on Nov 30, 2008 3:59 AM:

" This is just one of the many costs of not securing our nation's borders "

Jackie wrote on Nov 30, 2008 2:21 AM:

" That is Lake County. Everything they do is backwards. I am so sorry for the loss of these innocent people. "

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