VIGO COUNTY – The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has issued a Public Admonition of Vigo Superior Court 5 Judge Matthew A. Sheehan.
Judge Sheehan cooperated with the investigation, acknowledged he violated the Code of Judicial Conduct, and apologized for the unreasonable delay in issuing a ruling on a matter.
The commission admonished Judge Sheehan for unreasonable delay in issuing a final ruling when he served as Special Judge in a dissolution matter in July 2022.
The Supreme Court removed Judge Sheehan from the matter in July 2025, but before the new judge could issue a final decision, the wife passed away. Judge Sheehan acknowledges that he violated the Judicial Code of Conduct, including Rule 1.2, which requires judges to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
He also acknowledges the violation of Rule 2.5(A), which requires judges to perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, and promptly. Further details about the matter can be found in the admonition.
The commission reminds judges that delays in the administration of justice can have a significant detrimental impact on the parties and other affected individuals. The seven-member commission that investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges determined that formal disciplinary charges are warranted.
However, Supreme Court rules allow for the judicial officer and the commission to agree to a public admonition instead of filing charges. Judge Sheehan will not be formally charged with ethical misconduct. He accepts the public admonition.
Judge Sheehan is represented by attorney Jennifer Lukemeyer.
More information about the commission can be found online.
