WINCHESTER– The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed formal disciplinary charges against Randolph County Superior Court Judge Dale Arnett, alleging he failed to perform his duties and supervise court staff diligently. The commission is also seeking an interim suspension, which would bar Judge Arnett from receiving pay while the case is pending.
The “Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges” (Case No. 25S-JD-198), filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office, lists eleven counts of misconduct. The commission, a seven-member body that investigates judicial ethics, alleges that Judge Arnett violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by failing to act in ways that promote public confidence in the judiciary.
The charges claim Judge Arnett failed to set hearing dates for arrested defendants, resulting in them remaining in jail. He is also accused of failing to take timely action in several criminal cases, which led to their dismissal. These alleged actions are cited as evidence of a failure to act diligently and promptly.
Simultaneously with the charges, the commission filed a “Verified Petition for Interim Suspension,” asking the Indiana Supreme Court to suspend Judge Arnett with pay. Judge Arnett is currently on a leave of absence, and the Supreme Court appointed a judge pro tempore on April 23, 2025, to handle his cases.
Judge Arnett has 20 days to file a response to the charges.
The Indiana Supreme Court holds the final authority in this matter. It can dismiss the charges, approve a disciplinary agreement between the commission and the judge, or appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing. Possible sanctions range from a reprimand or a fine to a suspension or a permanent ban on holding judicial office in Indiana.
Attorney Donald McClellan represents Judge Arnett.
