Marion Superior Judge Grant Hawkins, who was suspended earlier this year without pay, returned to the bench today. Judge Hawkins was suspended in March because of his role in a wrongfully convicted man remaining in prison for nearly two years after DNA evidence cleared him of rape.

Prior to his 60-day suspension without pay, Judge Hawkins had been temporarily suspended since Nov. 25, 2008, but was still earning his salary. Judge Hawkins presides over Marion Superior Court, Criminal 5.