Batesville mayor resigns after charge he paid for sex

In the wake of allegations that he paid a male prostitute for sex, Batesville Mayor Rick Fledderman has resigned.

City officials announced Wednesday that Fledderman's resignation is effective immediately. City Council member Gene Lambert has been serving as acting mayor since Fledderman's arrest earlier this month.

A city news release says a caucus of Batesville Democratic Party precinct committee members will select a replacement to finish Fledderman's term, which runs through the end of the year. Lambert's appointment will end Thursday unless extended by a judge.

City officials are considering extending Lambert's time as acting mayor until a replacement is selected.

"It is important to the city that all city business continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the mayor's term of office," Lambert said in a statement. "Throughout this process, the city council and I have been consulting with legal counsel to consider and pursue all legal options to ensure continuation of the city's operations."

Fledderman was charged with patronizing a prostitute. A probable cause affidavit says Fledderman found Randy Wigle-Stevens, of Indianapolis, through a website. Police allege that Wigle-Stevens, who has HIV, sought more money after learning Fledderman was a mayor.

Wigle-Stevens was charged with prostitution, intimidation and failure to disclose dangerous communicable disease status.

With his letter of resignation, Fledderman released the following statement:

"It is with great regret that I must step down as mayor of Batesville, a city that I have been privileged to serve for two decades. I am truly sorry for my actions and for the hurt I have caused my family and community as a result. It is my hope that the City of Batesville can move forward under new leadership while I take this time to focus on my health, my family and my friends whom I love very deeply."

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter:@justinlmack.