Suit against Allen Co. sheriff transferred to federal court
A lawsuit alleging a northeastern Indiana sheriff violated a teenage boy’s constitutional rights during an altercation last year at a festival has been transferred to federal court.
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Federal defenders decry ‘structural racism’ after George Floyd’s killing
A sweeping majority of the nation’s federal public defenders – including for the Southern District of Indiana – are calling with a unified voice for reforms of a criminal justice system they say “turns a blind eye to oppressive structural racism.”
Ex-UAW president pleads guilty to living high life on dues
A former president of the United Auto Workers pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring with others to embezzle dues to pay for golf trips, expensive meals and stays at California villas — the most significant conviction yet in a scandal that has roiled the union.
After habeas win, man convicted in IU student’s murder to be freed pending appeal
The man convicted nearly 15 years ago in the killing of Indiana University student Jill Behrman will be released from custody later this month after the same judge who granted his request for habeas relief last year also granted his bid for coronavirus-related release.
Southern District courthouses opening to additional selected individuals
Additional individuals will now be allowed to enter federal courthouses under specific circumstances, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has announced.
Patachou restaurants sue insurer over COVID-19 claim denials
The Patachou Inc. restaurant group has joined a growing list of companies locally and nationwide to sue its insurer over COVID-19-related claim denials.
Purdue faces second student lawsuit seeking refunds due to COVID-19
Purdue University faces a second proposed class-action lawsuit filed by a student who says he and others are owed refunds for tuition and fees paid for in-person classes and activities that transitioned to remote education when campuses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Indianapolis teachers union chief gets 16 months
The former president of the Indianapolis Education Association has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $100,000 from the union.
Lawsuit claims U.S. plan for Indiana forest could taint water supply
Environmental groups and officials in a southern Indiana county are suing the U.S. Forest Service over its plan to burn or harvest parts of the Hoosier National Forest, alleging that it could taint drinking water for more than 140,000 people.
Southern District extends COVID-19 in-person restrictions
No in-person proceedings will take place at the Southern District Court until June 15, except under emergency circumstances, the district court announced in a Tuesday order. That date, however, is subject to change depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in each of the district court’s four divisions, the order says.
Judge puts off approving US request to dismiss Flynn case
A federal judge made clear Tuesday that he would not immediately rule on the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss its criminal case against former Trump administration national security adviser Michael Flynn, saying he would instead let outside individuals and groups weigh in with their opinions.
Supreme Court appears likely to reject Trump immunity claim
The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared likely to reject President Donald Trump’s claim that he is immune from criminal investigation while in office. But the court seemed less clear about exactly how to handle subpoenas from Congress and the Manhattan district attorney for Trump’s tax, bank and financial records.
Hitting the road: Outgoing federal clerk Briggs sets out for adventure in retirement
As longtime Southern District of Indiana clerk Laura Briggs stepped back from her post to pursue an adventure in retirement, she said saying goodbye in the middle of a public health crisis is interesting and hard. “It will also be hard for me not to be involved in something that is so integral for the functioning of American society,” she said.
Despite lost support, AG Hill seemingly pushes forward
Statewide political leaders, including Republican leaders, are withdrawing support of embattled Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, who next week begins a 30-day suspension for two ethics violations. But Hill so far has not indicated plans to step down from his role or leave the 2020 campaign trail once the suspension is over, even though his competition may be growing.
Total Wine & More wins round in court fight to open in Indiana
Total Wine & More, the national alcohol retailer with more than 200 stores in 24 states, is a step closer to doing business in Indiana after a federal court has temporarily barred the Hoosier state from enforcing its statutory prohibitions that keep out-of-state businesses from holding liquor permits.
Sharpe becomes Southern District clerk after swearing-in ceremony
The new clerk has officially taken office in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Roger A.G. Sharpe was sworn in last week, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of former longtime clerk Laura Briggs.
Second inmate disciplined for kissing allegations secures habeas relief
A second woman disciplined for allegedly kissing another inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility has been granted habeas corpus relief, the Southern District Court ruled Friday.
SCOTUS begins second week of arguments with live audio
Ready for round 2? The United States Supreme Court is holding its second week of arguments by telephone because of the coronavirus pandemic, with audio available live to audiences around the world.
Justice Department dropping Flynn’s Trump-Russia case
In an abrupt about-face, the Justice Department said it is dropping the criminal case against President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, abandoning a prosecution that became a rallying cry for the president and his supporters in attacking the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation.
Jackson County Courthouse Nativity scene violates First Amendment, judge rules
A Nativity scene displayed on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, a federal judge has ruled, entering an injunction prohibiting the county’s as-is display of the Christian Christmas scene.