Man pleads guilty in fiery June crash that killed woman
A northeastern Indiana man charged in a fiery June car crash in Fort Wayne that killed his girlfriend has pleaded guilty in the case.
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New COA judge Tavitas honored as ‘true public servant’ at robing ceremony
There are many adjectives friends and colleagues used to describe Elizabeth Tavitas, the newest Indiana Court of Appeals judge, when they gathered to celebrate her ceremonial robing on Monday. But as each speaker described their unique experiences with Tavitas, there was a common theme running through each set of remarks: service.
Beloved friends remembered at Indy Red Mass celebration
As the Catholic Church is being rocked again by another clerical sex abuse scandal, the Indianapolis St. Thomas More Society held its 59th Annual Red Mass Monday evening and did what everyone does in times of heartache – turned to the comfort of old friends. In Indiana, dioceses in Lafayette, Gary, Fort Wayne and Evansville, along with Indianapolis, all held Red Mass services this year.
Lawyer accused of theft from disabled held without bond amid new charges
A suspended Indiana lawyer accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from disabled and special needs clients was held without bond Tuesday in the Johnson County Jail after authorities in at least two counties had issued warrants for his arrest. Kenneth Shane Service was arrested Monday and is likely to remain behind bars until he’s transported to await court dates in three Indiana counties where he currently faces felony theft charges.
COA reverses firearm conviction after erroneous continuance
An Evansville firearm conviction against a convicted felon must be reversed after the Indiana Court of Appeals found a trial court erred in granting the state’s request for a continuance six days before trial.
Judge grants summary judgment to Indianapolis in ‘horrendous’ police dog bite case
A lawsuit filed by an Indianapolis woman who suffered “horrendous” injuries after she was mistakenly mauled by a police dog will not proceed after a federal judge granted summary judgment to the city of Indianapolis and dismissed the remaining defendants from the case.
Appellate court upholds robbery, conspiracy convictions
A northern Indiana man who planned and executed the robbery of a home after being invited to stay at the residence has lost his appeal of his convictions and sentence before the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Not lost in translation: Mediation with non-English speakers
When parties arrive for mediation and extend their hands in greeting, James Browne understands the cultural differences that can be conveyed in the handshake. Browne, partner at Goodin Abernathy LLP in Indianapolis, has been a registered mediator since 2010 and offers bilingual mediation services.
Domestic violence coalition grows network of lawyers to help survivors
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Satellite Attorney Program offers free civil legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program has a network of just over 100 attorneys across Indiana and, since January 2016, has provided legal advice or counsel, including direct representation, in roughly 350 cases.
Monroe County Judge Ken Todd retiring after more than 40 years
As he reflects on his career before his Oct. 15 retirement, Monroe Circuit Judge Kenneth Todd says his interactions with litigants and courtroom colleagues has been the best part of his 40-year stint on the bench. “I intended to do it for one term, but I found that it was a good fit for me,” he said of his judicial career.
Indiana Court Decisions — Sept. 13-26, 2018
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Counties ask study committee for more judicial help, courts
Rising caseloads and crowded jails are prompting five Indiana counties, to date, to request more magistrates and courts.
White House gives FBI freer rein in Kavanaugh investigation
The White House has given the FBI clearance to interview anyone it wants to by Friday in its investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The new guidance was issued to the FBI over the weekend in response to Democratic and news media pushback that the scope of the probe was too narrow.
Trials adding up for West Virginia Supreme Court justices
The federal trial of a suspended West Virginia Supreme Court justice is starting a day after a colleague’s impeachment trial began in the state Senate. Jury selection is set to get under way Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Charleston for Justice Allen Loughry, while an impeachment trial against Justice Beth Walker begins its second day on Tuesday.
Muncie man gets 101 years after trying to kill ex with bomb
A Muncie man who tried to kill his former girlfriend with a homemade bomb has been sentenced to 101 years in prison. Lionel Ray Mackey, Jr. received a maximum sentence Monday from Delaware Circuit Judge Linda Ralu Wolf on convictions from two separate trials.
Indiana justices accept another NIPSCO case
The Indiana Supreme Court has accepted transfer of another dispute over utility rates where the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. is a defendant.
COA reverses default ruling against race horse veterinarian
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a decision that found a Hoosier racehorse veterinarian in default without a hearing in a disciplinary action against him by Indiana Horse Racing Commission.
Three finalists chosen for Allen County judgeship
A magistrate and two attorneys have been selected as finalists to succeed Allen Superior Judge Stanley A. Levine, who will retire in December.
Judge pro tem appointed to replace Lake Superior Judge Villalpando
A judge pro tempore has been appointed to perform the duties of Lake Superior Court judge Jesse M. Villalpando, whose name was recently removed from the Nov. 6 general election ballot. A Friday order announced the Lake Superior Court judge will take leave from the bench beginning today and will remain on leave for the duration of his elected term, while attorney Stephen A. Tyler will serve in his place as judge pro tem.
Supreme Court term starts in shadow of Kavanaugh
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court will begin its new term with the crack of the marshal’s gavel and not a camera in sight. The term’s start has been completely overshadowed by the tumult over Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the high court.