Eastern Indiana judge suspended after felony battery charge

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The state Supreme Court has suspended an eastern Indiana city judge who is facing a felony battery charge.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/2dkpIf9 ) that Judge Tommy Phillips II of Dunkirk City Court in Jay County was charged Thursday with battery against a public safety official.

He will remain suspended with pay until the Supreme Court orders otherwise or until any disciplinary proceedings are determined.

According to court documents, the charge is connected with an Aug. 16 meeting meant to resolve differences between the judge and the police chief, who is his nephew.

Prosecutors say Phillips pushed the man during the meeting. Phillips has not been arrested, but has been summoned to court.

A woman who answered the phone Saturday at a listing for Phillips said, "No comment," and hung up.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com