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Supreme Court Imposes Interim Suspension On Judge Facing Felony Charges In Jay County

Last updated on Monday, October 3, 2016

(JAY CO.) - The Indiana Supreme Court has imposed an interim suspension on Judge Tommy D. Phillips, II of Jay County Dunkirk City Court, effective immediately.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed a "Notice of Criminal Charges and Request for Suspension" with the Indiana Supreme Court on September 29, 2016.

After reviewing the request, the Indiana Supreme Court ordered Judge Phillips suspended with pay, as required by court rule.

Judge Phillips' interim suspension remains in effect until further order of the Court or final determination of any disciplinary proceedings, if any, that may arise from the criminal charges.

The Notice, case number 38S00-1609-JD-517, was filed by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications when the Commission learned a special prosecutor had filed a Level 6 Felony charge of Battery Against a Public Safety Official against Judge Phillips.

According to Admission and Discipline Rule 25(V)(A) of the Indiana Rules of Court, "A judicial officer shall be suspended with pay by the Supreme Court. . .upon the filing of an indictment or information charging the judicial officer in any court in the United States with a crime punishable as a felony under the laws of Indiana or the United States."

Tommy D. Phillips, II, who is not an attorney according to the Commission request, was appointed to the bench and began his term October 3, 2000. Any questions related to the criminal charges filed in Jay County should be directed to Judge Phillips' attorney, Jay County Police, or the special prosecutor.

The Indiana Supreme Court will arrange for a judge in Dunkirk City Court. The Commission on Judicial Qualifications is the 7-member group that investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges. Chief Justice Loretta Rush chairs the Commission. The Indiana Supreme Court has final authority over judicial discipline.

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