Judge Jacobs to return to Clark County bench next week

Clark Circuit Judge Bradley Jacobs, one of two judges wounded in an early-morning shooting in downtown Indianapolis in May, will return to the bench next week.

Jacobs will resume his duties as judge of Clark Circuit Court 2 on July 29, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Tuesday in a court order. The order relieves Senior Judge Kenneth L. Lopp of his duties as judge pro tempore of Jacobs’ court, effective at close of business Friday.

Lopp and Senior Judge Steven M. Fleece were appointed judges pro tem over Clark Circuit Courts 2 and 1, respectively, after Jacobs and Judge Andrew Adams were wounded during the May 1 shooting outside of a downtown Indianapolis White Castle restaurant. Adams was listed in stable condition in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, while Jacobs was initially in critical condition after being shot in the chest.

The two judges returned home to Clark County in mid-May. However, Adams cannot rejoin Jacobs on the bench because he has been suspended with pay following a criminal indictment.

Adams, along with suspected shooter Brandon Kaiser and his alleged accomplice, Alfredo Vazquez, are each charged with multiple crimes stemming from the early-morning shooting. Adams is facing seven counts, including two counts of Level 6 felony battery resulting in moderate bodily injury; two counts of Class A misdemeanor battery resulting in bodily injury; two counts of Class B misdemeanor battery; and one count of Class B misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Immediately after last month’s indictment, the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications moved to suspend Adams, and the Supreme Court suspended the judge with pay on June 28.

Adams is listed on the Indiana Roll of Attorneys as being active in good standing, as is Jacobs, who was not indicted by the grand jury and is not facing a disciplinary action.

Jacobs released a statement Tuesday through Jeffersonville attorney Larry Wilder, who has been acting as a spokesman for the wounded judges.

“Judge Jacobs is happy to be back in the courthouse and on the bench serving the people of Clark County,” the statement says. “He continues to recover physically and appreciates all of the expressions of support that he and his family has received from the community.

“He will be making no further comment regarding his return to work or the events of May 1 inasmuch as the issues surrounding those events have not reached their conclusion,” the statement continues. “He, April and his daughters are thankful.”