Unarrested Development

The Indiana Supreme Court has reprimanded a prosecutor who exercised his influence for the benefit of his son

At all relevant times, Respondent was the Wells County elected prosecutor. In the early morning on July 2, 2022, a Wells County deputy sheriff called Respondent after pulling over Respondent’s son on suspicions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Respondent spoke to his son, who was being belligerent and had refused a breath test, and encouraged him to cooperate with the officer. Respondent then asked to speak to the deputy sheriff again. At Respondent’s request, the deputy sheriff agreed to allow Respondent to come to the scene and pick up his son, who was ultimately not arrested.

Respondent readily admitted that he acted improperly, self-reported to the Commission, and has publicly and privately apologized and taken responsibility for his actions.

(Mike Frisch)