INDIANAPOLIS – Former Vigo County School Superintendent Dan Tanoos and his attorney were in an Indianapolis courtroom Monday.

Tanoos is accused of recommending contracts for Energy Systems Group in exchange for personal favors.

The state maintains that Tanoos’ recommendations to the board on ESG’s behalf resulted in 9 contracts totaling more than $42 million dollars.

Tanoos attorneys have asked for charges to be dismissed because they say that the charges are too vague and the state should provide more specific information to support the charges filed.

The judge in the case has asked both sides in the case to file what’s called findings of fact and conclusions of law which would explain takes on how the judge should rule on the motion to dismiss and why.

These briefs are due January 23rd.

Attorneys for Tanoos and the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, who also spoke on his behalf, say that this case could set bad precedence in Indiana that might subject public officials to prosecution for the most basic interactions with potential vendors and contractors.