Panel recommends Marion County judge be removed from office

A three-judge panel in a misconduct case involving Judge Kimberly Brown has recommended to the Indiana Supreme Court that the Marion County justice be removed from office.

The recommendation comes about four months after the state’s Commission on Judicial Qualifications charged Brown with more than 40 counts of misconduct. Allegations included dereliction of duty, delaying the release of at least nine defendants from jail, failing to train or supervise court employees, creating a hostile environment for staff and attorneys and failing to properly complete paperwork.

The three-judge panel of “masters” tasked with advising the Supreme Court on what, if any, punishment Brown should receive heard dozens of witnesses during a seven-day trial in November.

Brown's former attorney, Aaron Haith, had argued that Brown was saddled with a bad staff that she inherited and had been singled out by a handful of disgruntled employees and attorneys. He also said she had to deal with antiquated record keeping.

In court documents filed earlier this week, the panel concluded that the judge violated rules in the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Karl Mulvaney, who recently took over Brown’s defense, was reached by The Indianapolis Star late Friday night but declined to comment, citing the case’s pending status.

The Supreme Court will make the final decision on any discipline for Brown and does not have to follow the panel’s recommendation.

Star reporter Tim Evans contributed to this story. Contact Star reporter Kristine Guerra at (317) 444-6209. Follow her on Twitter: @kristine_guerra