3 Indiana judges face disciplinary action for misconduct and court delays

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two Marion County judges and one Vigo County judge are facing disciplinary action following a yearslong pattern of negligence, staff mismanagement, and significant delays in the courtroom.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications announced the actions Monday in Indianapolis. While one judge received a public admonition, the other two face formal charges for violating the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct.

Vigo County: Judge Matthew A. Sheehan

The commission issued a public admonition of Vigo Superior Court 5 Judge Matthew A. Sheehan after he acknowledged he violated judicial rules. Sheehan cooperated with the investigation and apologized for an unreasonable delay in a divorce case.

The delay happened when Sheehan served as a special judge in a July 2022 case. The Indiana Supreme Court eventually removed him from the case in July 2025. However, the woman involved in the case died before a new judge could issue a final decision.

Sheehan admitted to violating rules that require judges to promote public confidence in the judiciary and to perform their duties promptly and diligently. The commission noted that delays in justice can cause significant harm to the people involved.

Because Sheehan agreed to the public admonition, he will not face formal disciplinary charges. He is represented by attorney Jennifer Lukemeyer.

Marion County: Judge Jose D. Salinas

The commission filed five counts of misconduct against Marion Superior Court 23 Judge Jose D. Salinas. The charges allege a recurring pattern of failing to supervise court staff and failing to act in several criminal cases.

According to the commission, staff errors under Salinas’ supervision led to:

• Delayed releases for criminal defendants.
• Missing court dates and orders.
• Cases that were not properly cleared or expunged.

The commission also alleges that Salinas failed to take action in criminal cases, leading to delays and eventual dismissals. Salinas has 20 days to file an answer to the charges. He is represented by attorney James J. Bell.

Marion County: Judge Geoffrey A. Gaither

Marion Superior Court 9 Judge Geoffrey A. Gaither also faces three counts of misconduct for failing to act in cases and failing to supervise his staff.

The commission alleges Gaither:

• Failed to promptly set or rule on motions, leading to cases being removed from his court.
• Failed to supervise a magistrate, which caused case delays.
• Failed to supervise staff, leading to case dismissals and incorrect legal entries.

Gaither has 20 days to file an answer to the charges. He is represented by attorney Gregory H. Coleman.

Next Steps

The Indiana Supreme Court has the final authority to decide if misconduct occurred. The court can dismiss the charges, accept a disciplinary agreement, or impose sanctions. These sanctions range from a public reprimand to a permanent ban from holding judicial office in Indiana.

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