Muncie judge agrees to resign permanent ban from bench

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - A suspended Muncie City Court judge has agreed to resign and to never serve as a judge again.

The Indiana Supreme Court on Friday approved the deal to settle 13 counts of misconduct against Dianna Bennington. The Star Press reports (http://tspne.ws/15Ebi4k ) the court's order forbids Bennington from ever serving as a judge again.

The order requires Bennington to submit her resignation within five days to Gov. Mike Pence, who will appoint someone to serve the remainder of Bennington's term. The term runs through Dec. 31.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications asked for Bennington's suspension last month, saying Bennington had been on a voluntary leave of absence since late September and hadn't responded to subpoenas or told other Delaware County judges whether she intended to return to the bench.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com