Judicial Appointments
Stephen Scheele Appointed to Court of Appeals
Governor Eric Holcomb announced Lake County Superior Court Judge Stephen “Sam” Scheele as his next appointment to the Court of Appeals of Indiana, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Terry Crone. Judge Scheele was a judge for the Lake County Superior Court since 2019, having previously served as a magistrate for the Lake County Circuit Court. Scheele earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. He was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1997.
Governor Holcomb recognized Judge Scheele’s “commitment to the law and equal justice,” stating that it will help him “continue to serve his fellow Hoosiers with distinction as he joins the second highest bench in Indiana.” Judge Scheele echoed these sentiments, pledging to “always do [his] best in [his] service to our great Hoosier state, its judicial branch and citizens.”
Allen County
Governor Holcomb announced Jason C. Custer as his appointment to the Allen County Superior Court, following the retirement of Judge David Avery at the end of 2024. Custer has served as a senior magistrate in the Allen County Superior Court since 2016, primarily handling misdemeanor and traffic cases. Before becoming a magistrate, he served in the Allen County Prosecutors Office for a total of over 14 years and spent five years in private practice. Custer earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his J.D. from Valparaiso University.
Marion County
Governor Holcomb has appointed James K. Snyder and Tara Y. Melton to the Marion County Superior Courts.
Since 2015, James Snyder served as a magistrate in the Criminal Division of the Marion County Superior Court, primarily handling major felony cases. Prior to this, he served in the Marion County Public Defender’s Office for eight years and spent a year in private practice. Snyder earned his undergraduate degree from Franklin College and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Tara Melton served as a magistrate in the Family Relations Division of the Marion County Superior Court since 2021. Before this, she was the Director of Mediation for Child Advocates, Inc. Melton also served in the Marion County Public Defender’s Office for six years, after having maintained a private practice. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and her J.D. from Florida State University College of Law.
Porter County
For the final judicial appointment of his term, Governor Holcomb has appointed Rebecca Buitendorp to the Porter County Circuit Court. She will fill the vacancy created by Judge Mary DeBoer’s appointment to the Court of Appeals of Indiana. Buitendorp previously served as the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as in the Prosecutor’s Offices of Lake, St. Joseph, and LaPorte counties. She earned her undergraduate degree from Carroll College and her law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Rush County
Governor Holcomb has appointed Leigh S. Morning to the Rush County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Brian Hill, who resigned to become the circuit court judge on January 1, 2025. Morning has been in private practice in Rush County since 1996, first at a law firm, then as a sole practitioner since 2010. She has served as the county attorney for the past 25 years. Morning earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University Bloomington and her J.D. from Indiana University McKinney School of Law.
Steuben County
Jeremy T. Musser was appointed by Governor Holcomb to the Steuben County Circuit Court, filling the vacancy left by the passing of Judge Allen Wheat. Before his appointment, Musser served as the Steuben County Prosecuting Attorney. He began with the prosecutor’s office following law school and served as both a deputy prosecutor and chief trial deputy before being elected as prosecutor three times. Musser earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University Fort Wayne and his law degree from Regent University School of Law.
Awards & Honors
Justices Awarded Sagamore of the Wabash
Governor Holcomb recognized the five Justices of the Supreme Court with the Sagamore of the Wabash. Chief Justice Rush graciously said that the honor belonged to everyone at the Court and she invited managers and other appellate judges to attend the presentation on January 7, 2025.
Judge Margret Robb Inducted into CCJSCA Hall of Fame
On November 15, 2024, Senior Judge Margret G. Robb of the Indiana Court of Appeals was unanimously chosen for induction into the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal Hall of Fame. The group exists “to promote the improvement of the administration of justice, rules and methods of procedure, and the organization and operation of intermediate appellate courts.” Judge Robb was honored for her exceptional and substantial contributions that advanced the Council’s mission, performing above and beyond the duties asked of CCJSCA members. Throughout her tenure, she has served on various committees and held roles such as president and secretary-treasurer. Her impact has been recognized by several other organizations such as the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indiana Business Journal, and the Indiana State Bar Association.
JLAP Treatment Fund Chosen as Beneficiary of Law Firm Award
Dinsmore & Shohl Senior Associate Jonathon “Yogi” Snider was recognized with the firm’s 21st annual Difference Maker Award. This recognition comes with a donation of $750 made in the recipient’s name to the charity, foundation, or non-profit organization of their choice. Snider chose to make his donation to the JLAP Treatment Fund, which can be used to support assessments, temporary prescription assistance, therapy costs, and other resources benefitting the mental health of judges, lawyers, and law students.
Events
Statehood Day Brings Students to Supreme Court Courtroom
On December 11, around 220 fourth grade students visited the Indiana Supreme Court Courtroom as part of an annual celebration marking the anniversary of Indiana’s admission to the Union. The students learned about the courtroom, had the opportunity to try on judges’ robes, and took group photos standing on the lower bench. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert Altice later gave remarks alongside Governor Holcomb in a formal ceremony in the Statehouse atrium.
Watch a video about Statehood Day at youtu.be/1FX2ZDbI-FQ
Judge Kellerman Welcomes Cub Scouts to Franklin Circuit Court
Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Clay Kellerman welcomed a group of Cub Scouts to his courtroom in December 2024. Ranging in age from 7 to 10 years old, the scouts enjoyed a tour and learned about the court system more generally as they worked toward earning their Court badge.
Judge Plummer Gives Presentation to Mitchell High School Students
Lawrence Superior Court I Judge John M. Plummer III was invited by Mitchell High School Principal Dr. Bond and Student Counsel Sponsor Becky Mason to give a presentation to the entire Mitchell High School student body. In a talk entitled “No Means No,” Judge Plummer presented information on criminal charges and the possible penalties of battery and sex crimes. Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to ask questions and speak with the judge.
Other Highlights
Chief Justice Rush Appears on INSession Podcast
Chief Justice Loretta Rush was a guest on the 23rd episode of INSession, a podcast produced by the Allen County Superior Court. The nearly 60-minute conversation with Allen County Court Executive John McGauley sought to identify what had been behind the drive to improve the return on Hoosiers’ investment in the state’s judiciary. Considering this question, as well as what’s next for Indiana courts, Chief Justice Rush discussed topics such as civics and transparency, trust in public institutions, the value of mercy in criminal justice, and the future of artificial intelligence in the courts.
Listen at allensuperiorcourt.us/podcast