Howard County Judge Faces Nine Discipline Charges
Nine discipline charges have been filed against Howard County Judge Matthew J. Elkin by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications (ICJQ). The charges allege that Elkin displayed vulgar disrespect, engaged in a tactic called “Game or Jail” with defendants, and allowed conflicts of interests in the courtroom. Elkin, who oversees the Howard County Drug Court and the Howard County Re-Entry Court, was accused of failing to disclose previous cases he represented, presiding over cases of clients he previously represented, and allowing the “Game or Jail” tactic in the Re-Entry Court.
ICJQ’s investigation also found that Elkin provided favors to defendants, followed court staff and participants outside the courtroom, and made inappropriate and insulting comments during court proceedings. These included comparing a domestic violence victim to Tom Brady’s Super Bowl wins and using adult diapers to humiliate a defendant in court.
Elkin has been given 20 days to respond to the charges, and the Indiana Supreme Court will ultimately determine any misconduct. The charges highlight Elkin’s behavior that ICJQ says undermines public confidence in the judiciary and raises concerns about his ability to perform judicial duties.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
