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Thursday, May 01, 2008

Ind. Courts - "Howard County Judge accuses deputy prosecutor of drug use"

Patrick Munsey of the Kokomo Perspective reports today in a lengthy story that begins:

Last week, Howard Superior Court II judge Stephen Jessup held a contempt of court hearing against deputy prosecutor David Steele concerning his absence for criminal cases in which he represents the state. But, according to those who were there, the hearing got out of hand and resulted in the judge accusing Steele of being "strung out on drugs."

Steele has declined to comment on the events of the April 21 hearing, but the Perspective obtained copies of the proceedings; the transcript accompanies this story.

It is alleged that Jessup went to the Prosecutor's Office on April 18, searching for Steele when he did not appear in court for a criminal plea hearing. Deputy prosecutor Michael Krebes appeared on Steele's behalf. When Jessup was told that the prosecutor didn't know Steele's whereabouts, he openly accused the attorney of drug use. During Steele's contempt hearing on April 21, the judge admitted to making the accusation.

According to the story, the printed version of the paper contains at least two transcripts of proceedings. However, they do not appear to be accessibe online.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on May 1, 2008 04:27 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts