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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Ind. Courts - Still more on: "Scheibenberger faces ethics, misconduct charges"

Updating this ILB entry from earlier today, the Supreme Court has now posted a press release on the chages filed against Judge Kenneth R. Scheibenberger.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed formal charges of judicial misconduct against the Honorable Kenneth R. Scheibenberger, the Commission announced today.

The Commission filed a “Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges” with the Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court accusing Judge Scheibenberger of violating ethical rules for judges. The charges stem from a November 2007 incident in another judge’s courtroom when Judge Scheibenberger allegedly verbally berated family members of a defendant in court for a sentencing hearing. The statement of charges includes four counts which can be read in their entirety [here].

The Clerk’s Online Appellate Docket lists the matter as public record under cause number 02S00-0807-JD-396. The filing includes a background detailing events in November 2007 which led to the charges.*

Judge Scheibenberger may file an answer to the charges within 20 days, after which the Supreme Court will appoint a panel of three judges to preside over an evidentiary hearing and report its findings to the Indiana Supreme Court. If the Court finds the Commission proved its charges, it will determine the appropriate sanction. Judicial sanctions may include reprimands, suspensions, or removal from office.

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*However, the docket shows nothing other than:
7/15/08 - NOTICE OF THE INSTITUTION OF FORMAL PROCEEDINGS AND STATEMENT OF CHARGES. (6) PROOF OF SERVICE (2) MAIL. DL
The reference intended must be to the Statement of Charges.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 16, 2008 12:36 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts