Vanderburgh County magistrate accused of misconduct resigns

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - A southwestern Indiana magistrate has resigned after being investigated for alleged misconduct involving inappropriate relationships with court employees and attorneys during work hours and on court property.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications on Tuesday announced Vanderburgh Superior Court Magistrate Jeffrey T. Shoulders agreed to resign, effective May 30, and not to seek or accept judicial office in the future.

The commission agreed to end its investigation.

The seven-member commission investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges. If it believes misconduct has occurred, it can file public formal disciplinary charges. Indiana Supreme Court rules also allow the Commission to accept an agreement with a judicial officer facing formal charges.