Maley: Notable January rulings from Indiana federal judges
During January, Indiana federal judges issued multiple informative opinions on common procedural issues.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
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Web Exclusive: Building bridges: New IN Southern District Magistrate Judge Klump excited for new challenges
While working for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Kendra Klump saw firsthand the gaps between her colleagues and policymakers. Those challenges inspired the Wisconsin native to go to law school.
Former Roncalli counselor fired for same-sex marriage argues district court misapplied ministerial exception
A former Roncalli High School guidance counselor is asking the 7th Circuit Court of Apppeals to revive her lawsuit against the high school and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, arguing that the district court misapplied the ministerial exception.
Senate Judiciary has few questions for Brookman in 1st district court confirmation hearing, signaling likely easy confirmation
Wednesday’s hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary was a relatively quiet affair for Indiana Southern District Court Magistrate Judge Matthew Brookman, who has been nominated to become a district judge on the court where he currently serves. That quiet could be a sign that he’s on the path to an all but assured confirmation.
Bedford senior living center director sentenced for embezzlement
Dara Little of Mitchell was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of wire fraud. Over the course of five years, Little stole a total of nearly $420,000 from her former employer, a senior living facility in Bedford.
7th Circuit affirms summary judgment for employer after employees abused FMLA leave
A husband who was suspended from work along with his wife after they were accused of misusing FMLA leave has failed in his bid to convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate his lawsuit against his employer.
Klump sworn in as Indiana Southern District magistrate judge
Former assistant U.S. attorney M. Kendra Klump has officially joined the Indiana Southern District Court as a magistrate judge.
Indianapolis dermatologist pleads guilty to understating taxes
An Indianapolis physician has pleaded guilty to understating his taxes by about $361,000 over a four-year period, a felony.
Owners of store that sold baby clothes for adults sue Noblesville officials
The owners of a Noblesville business that sold baby clothes for adults before being shut down last summer have filed a federal suit against the city’s planning director and members of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
CJ Roberts issues 2022 year-end report
In his 2022 review, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts brought attention to the rising number of threats against judicial officers and their families before detailing how the number of federal cases filed are declining nationwide.
First Merchants emerges from fair-lending settlement agreement
Muncie-based First Merchants Bank and the U.S. Department of Justice have agreed to end a settlement agreement that had been put in place in 2019 after the bank was accused of discriminatory lending practices in certain Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Brookman might be 1st in filling Indiana federal seats: Experts expect Senate to speed up confirmation of judicial nominees over next 2 years
With the nomination of Magistrate Judge Matthew Brookman to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the Hoosier State might be seeing the first step in filling all its seats on the federal bench for the first time since January 2021.
Ex-jail officer who sold jail keys requests gag order against Clark County sheriff in ‘night of terror’ case
A former Clark County Jail officer accused of selling access cards to male inmates, leading to an alleged “night of terror” for female inmates, has filed a motion for a protective order against Sheriff Jamey Noel, his attorneys and his office to prevent them from making public statements while their federal case proceeds.
Ex-AG Hill accusers appeal grant of summary judgment to Legislature on Title VII claims
The federal case stemming from the sexual misconduct allegations against former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is headed back to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, this time on the question of whether the Indiana Legislature violated the federal rights of three of Hill’s accusers.
District court dismisses vaccine mandate complaint from already-vaccinated St. Vincent employee
A physician’s assistant at St. Vincent Medical Group who received the COVID-19 vaccine after her employer mandated it but sued alleging federal civil rights violations has failed to secure relief from a federal court, which dismissed her complaint.
7th Circuit affirms convictions in wide-ranging drug conspiracy, splits over resentencing
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed convictions and sentences in a wide-ranging challenge to a drug conspiracy case, affirming against the 10 defendants in all instances except one sentencing challenge. That one reversal prompted a dissent.
Judge Young, who threw out Indiana’s gay marriage ban, stepping down
The federal judge who struck down Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriages a year before the U.S. Supreme Court did so nationally has decided to step down from full-time status after 25 years.
Magistrate Judge Brookman to be nominated to Indiana Southern District Court
Indiana Southern District Magistrate Judge Matthew Brookman will be nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to fill the vacancy created by Judge Richard Young, who has announced he will be taking senior status.
Teacher’s aide loses 1st Amendment case after being fired for social media comment
A teaching aide who lost her job after posting misinformation about a school leadership program on Facebook has also lost her bid for summary judgment in her federal lawsuit against the school corporation.
Final 2 Muncie officers charged with false reporting to get separate trials
A Muncie Police Department officer charged with false reporting has been granted a separate trial from his remaining co-defendant, the latest action in a case against four former officers.