Former real estate broker found guilty of forgery, theft
A jury convicted David Garden on 22 counts, including 11 counts of forgery and 10 counts of theft, for defrauding homeowners and renters.
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Indianapolis man get life sentence in deadly house blast
A judge has sentenced Bob Leonard to life in prison without parole for his role in a 2012 house explosion that killed two people and destroyed or damaged more than 80 homes.
Lawmakers punt judge-selection bill to next year
Indiana lawmakers were unable to come to an agreement on a new process to select Marion County Superior Court judges before the end this year’s session. A federal appeals court has ruled the current system unconstitutional.
Two Indy-area attorneys are finalists for Supreme Court opening
This will be Gov. Mike Pence’s first appointment to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Obama considering Indiana native for U.S. Supreme Court
President Barack Obama is considering a woman who was born and raised in Greencastle to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, a person familiar with the matter said.
UPDATE: Federal judge blocks Pence order on Syrian refugees
The decision requires state officials to resume full grant payments to a not-for-profit group that helps settle refugees. But state officials say they will seek a stay of the order while they appeal the decision.
Panel approves bill to punish meth, heroin dealers
Meth and heroin dealers in Indiana will face harsher penalties if they are convicted and have a criminal history under a bill passed by a state Senate panel Tuesday.
Lawmakers concerned about judicial diversity if ‘merit’ bill passes
A “merit selection” system has been proposed for choosing Marion Superior Court judges. But some Democrats say it would disenfranchise voters and limit diversity on the bench.
Park Tudor coach facing sex charge remaining in custody
During a court hearing on whether Kyle Cox should be released from jail pending trial, prosecutors presented text messages between Cox and some students at Park Tudor in Indianapolis.
Trial of Richmond Hill suspect expected to last five weeks
Jury selection starts Tuesday for the trial of Bob Leonard, the half brother of a man now serving two life sentences for a deadly 2012 house explosion. Prosecutors allege Leonard played a role in the insurance scheme.
Chief justice says state courts feel burden of drug crisis
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush said the scourge of drug abuse is being seen statewide, but problem-solving courts are helping communities deal with the crisis.
Obama nominates Selby, Ong for federal judgeships
Winfield Ong, chief of the criminal division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was nominated for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Myra Selby, former Indiana Supreme Court justice, was nominated for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Indiana courts push ahead with shift to e-filing system
The Indiana Supreme Court and the state Court of Appeals began offering e-filing in November, and the Indiana Tax Court, will follow in January. The goal is for trial courts in all 92 counties to offer e-filing by the end of 2018.
Appeals court upholds Indiana’s cold beer law
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a state law that prohibits convenience stores, gas stations and other retailers from selling beer cold in the state.
Hamilton County blazes trail with court e-filing system
This summer, Hamilton was the first Indiana county to begin electronic filing of court cases. All counties are preparing for the transition, which will cost the state $5 million annually.
UPDATE: Expert testifies Fogle frequented prostitutes
A psychiatrist said Thursday during the sentencing hearing for Jared Fogle that the former Subway pitchman suffers from hypersexuality, pedophilia, and alcohol abuse and dependency.
UPDATE: Prosecutors to seek 12-1/2-year sentence for Fogle
Federal prosecutors have filed court documents saying they will seek the maximum agreed-upon sentence for former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle, who has agreed to plead guilty to child pornography and sex-crime charges. Fogle’s attorneys are seeking five years.
Supreme Court upholds former Colt’s ‘jock tax’ victory
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from the city of Cleveland over its formula for taxing visiting athletes. The decision upholds a court victory by retired Colt Jeff Saturday and ex-Bear Hunter Hillenmeyer.
City still on hook for $11.2M on abandoned justice project
Taxpayers still owe $11.2 million to consultants and contractors involved with an abandoned plan to build a new criminal justice center for Marion County.
Obama calls for second chances, lighter sentences
A bipartisan movement to cut prison sentences for nonviolent drug crimes and make it easier for ex-offenders to find employment could get caught up it presidential politics.