27-03-2025
Discipline charges filed against Indiana judge
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Howard Superior Court I Judge Matthew J. Elkin.
The commission alleges Judge Elkin demonstrated an inability to perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, and promptly, and acted in a manner that did not promote public confidence in the judiciary.
The commission announced the charges in a news release issued Wednesday.
Elkin is permitted, but not required, to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.
The charges are brought by the seven-member state commission, which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges. The panel's charges are public record and have been filed with the Appellate Clerk's Office. The case number is 25S-JD-69.
The commission charges nine counts of misconduct. The commission alleges that Judge Elkin violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by acting in ways that did not promote public confidence in the judiciary and failed to avoid impropriety or the appearance of impropriety.
The commission alleges that Judge Elkin did not treat all litigants fairly and with dignity, did not have order and decorum in proceedings before his court, and in one instance, failed to ensure that his court staff acted in a manner consistent with the judge's obligations under the Judicial Code.
The commission charges that Elkin abused the prestige of his office to advance the personal interests of himself and others and allowed his personal and extrajudicial activities to take precedence over his duties.
The Indiana Supreme Court will determine what, if any, misconduct occurred. The Court can dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose a fine or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a suspension to a permanent ban on judicial office in Indiana.
Elkin is represented by attorney Jennifer Lukemeyer of Indianapolis. The Tribune-Star sent an email to Lukemeyer offering the opportunity to comment.
