Indiana man pleads guilty to threatening abortion clinics
A northwestern Indiana man has pleaded guilty to two federal charges alleging he sent threatening messages to two abortion clinics.
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Judge lets Tippecanoe Right to Life free speech case proceed
A Tippecanoe County anti-abortion group’s free speech lawsuit against the local public transportation company will continue after a district court judge denied Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.
Public comment sought for Southern District Bankruptcy Court proposed amendments
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana is seeking public comment concerning proposed amendments to the court’s local rules, including some required by changes to national rules. Comments are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 28.
Ex-judge accused of sex-based harassment tentatively settles
A former Huntington County judge has reached a tentative settlement with his accuser in a sex-based harassment case brought by a county probation officer who alleged the judge engaged in a “campaign of sex-based harassment, discrimination, and retaliation” that “created a hostile and oppressive workplace environment.”
Federal judge disqualifies lawyer who sued ex-client
A federal judge last week disqualified an attorney from representing a plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging abusive debt collection practices in a case filed against a client of the attorney’s former law firm.
Southern District seeks comment on McKee reappointment
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is seeking comment on whether Magistrate Judge Craig M. McKee should be recommended for reappointment. The current term for McKee, who works in the Terre Haute Division, expires August 22, 2019.
Southern District ruling makes declawing big cats illegal
A first-of-its-kind federal order has officially held that the process of declawing large exotic cats is illegal and in a violation of the Endangered Species Act and has prohibited a Charlestown veterinarian from providing any care to such exotic cats.
Bankruptcy court seeks comment on proposed rule changes
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana is seeking public comment concerning proposed changes to the court’s local rules. The proposed changes to Rule B-4004-2, now known as Discharge in Chapter 13 Cases, would make the rule applicable to both Chapter 12 and 13 cases.
Sweeney to take ceremonial oath as judge next month
The Indiana Southern District Court’s newest member, Judge James R. Sweeney, will be ceremonially sworn into office next month. Sweeney’s investiture ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse in downtown Indianapolis.
Reversal: Officers entitled to qualified immunity after inmate death
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a grant of judgment in favor of a deceased inmate’s estate, finding two officers who placed the inmate in a cell while he was intoxicated were entitled to qualified immunity.
Summary judgment for former sheriff reversed after sexual assault allegations against deputy
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned summary judgment for a former Lake County sheriff sued after a local woman alleged a sheriff’s deputy sexually assaulted her while in her home, with the court finding the woman’s respondeat superior claim against the sheriff can proceed.
Mail bomb suspect makes first court appearance
Federal prosecutors want no bail for a man accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the country. Prosecutors said at the initial court hearing Monday for 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc that they believe he is a risk of flight and a danger to the community.
Pakistanis lose initial challenge to ‘secret’ immigration denial
Two Pakistani immigrants have lost their initial bid for the government to reopen their denied applications for permanent residency, with a district judge ruling their request for injunctive relief against a “secret” policy designed to withhold permanent resident status from certain immigrants is premature.
Suit against Hill could cost taxpayers; accusers to name state
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office is now in the process of investigating a complaint filed against it, the state and Attorney General Curtis Hill after four women who publicly accused Hill of groping them at a party filed official notice of a civil lawsuit. If the women succeed on their claims against state defendants, taxpayers could be on the hook to pay any judgments.
Guilty verdicts set precedent in fighting shady basketball recruiting
A federal jury found three men guilty of fraud charges for channeling secret payments to the families of top-tier basketball recruits to influence their choices of schools, apparel companies and agents.
Judge rules for Butler in suit by ex-student accused of sex assault
A civil lawsuit against Butler University brought by a student who claims he was wrongly expelled after being falsely accused of sexual assault has ended with a judgment in favor of the university and other school personnel involved in the investigation.
Manafort to be sentenced in February; appears in wheelchair
A judge has set a February sentencing date for Paul Manafort, who appeared in court Friday for a post-trial hearing in a wheelchair and green jail jumpsuit. The hearing in federal court in Alexandria was largely procedural but provided the first glimpse of the former Trump campaign chairman since he began cooperating with prosecutors in special counsel Robert Mueller’s office.
Judge: Insurer has no duty to defend false sex assault claim
A federal judge has ruled an insurer does not owe a duty to defend a female student who made a false accusation of sexual assault against a Butler University student who subsequently sued the university and his accuser
Southern District e-filing changes proposed
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is seeking public feedback on proposed changes that would align e-filing rules to be more consistent with Federal Rules of Civil Practice.
Splenda maker settles trademark lawsuit against IHOP, Applebee’s franchisor
The Carmel-based maker of Splenda sweetener has settled a legal dispute with the franchisor of International House of Pancakes and Applebee’s, which it sued last year for trademark infringement.