Indiana panel recommends removal of embattled judge

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — A state judicial commission is recommending the Indiana Supreme Court remove from the bench an embattled judge who faces misconduct charges.

The Indianapolis Star reports the state’s Commission on Judicial Qualifications said in recent court filings that it’s concluded Marion Superior Judge Kimberly Brown violated rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Brown faces nearly 50 official misconduct charges and allegations that include dereliction of duty and delaying the release of at least nine defendants from jail. She’s also accused of failing to train or supervise court employees, creating a hostile environment for staff and attorneys and failing to properly complete paperwork.

The state Supreme Court will make the final decision on any discipline for Brown and does not have to follow the panel’s recommendation.