UPDATE: Indiana Supreme Court Suspends Judge John Plummer for 60 Days Without Pay — Local Outrage Grows
BEDFORD — Just over a month after the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed formal disciplinary charges, the Indiana Supreme Court has handed down its final ruling in the case of Lawrence County Superior Court I Judge John M. Plummer III.
On May 21, 2026, the state’s highest court suspended Plummer without pay for 60 days, effective immediately. He will be automatically reinstated at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026. The suspension ends the disciplinary proceedings.
In its opinion, the Supreme Court found that Plummer committed judicial misconduct by illegally using marijuana from February through May 2025 — including vaping and consuming cannabis-infused gummies obtained from a family member who purchased them in Michigan. The court also cited his “impaired and erratic” behavior at an April 30, 2025 Lawrence County Council meeting and his failure to be fully candid during the Commission’s investigation.
The Court acknowledged mitigating factors — no prior discipline on Plummer’s record and personal stress at the time — and stated these supported his ability to “regain the public’s confidence.” Plummer’s attorney, Glen Koch II of Boren Oliver & Coffey LLP, declined to comment.
Plummer has been on voluntary paid leave since late September 2025. Local court operations have continued smoothly with other judges and senior judges filling in.
Community Reacts: “Suspensions Are for School Kids”
The 60-day suspension has sparked strong reactions across Lawrence County. While some see it as accountability, many residents are calling the penalty far too light for a sitting judge — the very person entrusted with upholding the law in our community.
Online comments on local pages have been blunt. One Lawrence County resident wrote: “Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!!! How the FUCK can we trust this asshole to judge anyone correctly?!?!”
Others are going further, arguing that a 60-day suspension sends the wrong message and could expose Lawrence County taxpayers to future lawsuits. As one vocal local observer put it in comments circulating online: “Tell the Indiana Supreme Court that suspensions are for school kids. This is an arbiter of the law who’s set our community up for a ton of lawsuits.”
The sentiment is clear to many: A judge who broke the law and was less than truthful about it is being allowed to return to the bench after just two months. Critics say that undermines public trust and raises serious questions about equal justice.
How to Make Your Voice Heard
If you believe the Supreme Court’s decision was too lenient, you can contact them directly. The Indiana Supreme Court Clerk’s Office handles public inquiries and correspondence regarding judicial discipline cases.
Indiana Supreme Court Clerk’s Office Indiana Statehouse, Room 216 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-2540 or via the official contact form at in.gov/courts
All official documents in the case (Case No. 26S-JD-115), including the full charges and the Supreme Court’s opinion, are public record and available on the Indiana Judicial Branch website.
What Happens Next
Plummer will be back on the bench in mid-July. Superior Court I will continue operating with the current rotation of judges in the meantime. No further disciplinary action is expected unless new complaints arise.
What do you think — was 60 days without pay enough? Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us. This is your courthouse, and these are your tax dollars.