On October 2, 2025, Indiana released a 127-page forensic audit of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC). The findings are deeply troubling—and they directly connect to the same players pushing SK hynix into our neighborhoods.
What the audit found:
- “Significant gaps” in oversight and governance.
- Dozens of potential conflicts of interest in contracts and grants.
Contracts steered to entities that donated to IEDC’s foundation.
Lavish spending on travel and accommodations. - No-bid contracts tied to the LEAP District.
- Deals routed through the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and the Applied Research Institute.
While no criminal wrongdoing was found, these issues expose a troubling lack of accountability. IndyStar’s reporting shows these conflicts center on three insiders—sometimes called the “Three Kings”:
- Dave Roberts (IEDC, Applied Research Institute)
- Chad Pittman (current PRF president)
- Paul Mitchell (Indy Autonomous Challenge)
Together, their entities received over $180 million in six years.
Why this matters in West Lafayette:
PRF, led by Chad Pittman—one of the “Three Kings”—pushed the SK hynix rezoning through City Council, even after the Area Plan Commission voted NO. Now we know PRF’s financial practices are under scrutiny for conflicts of interest and poor oversight.
How can we trust PRF or IEDC to prioritize our community’s safety and health over backroom deals?
What We Must Do Next
- Show up at the October 6 City Council meeting (this Monday!) and speak during public comment. Every resident gets 3 minutes—make your voice heard!
- Share this update with neighbors.
- Sign up for our eNewsletter: https://forms.gle/LP7ZUkqWA8wuK4pWA
- Donate to the lawsuit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-our-neighborhood-from-industrial-threat
- Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stopheavyindustry
- Visit our website: https://stopheavyindustry.com/
PRF’s credibility is crumbling. Our voices are growing stronger. Now is the moment to hold them accountable and protect our community.
— Stop Heavy Industry Team
Links:
https://youtu.be/W3XVm13ZqfI?si=xd3Utx6WhmW3W_1L
https://www.basedinlafayette.com/p/teising-avoids-fines-for-ai-generated