For Immediate Release | April 17, 2026
Discipline charges filed against Lawrence County judge
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Lawrence County Superior Court I Judge John M. Plummer III. The commission alleges Judge Plummer engaged in illegal drug use and possession of marijuana. Judge Plummer is permitted (but not required) to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.
The "Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges" (Case No. 26S-JD-115) is public record and has been filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The charges are brought by the seven-member commission, which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges.
The commission charges two counts of misconduct. In both counts, the commission alleges that Judge Plummer violated the Code of Judicial Conduct when he failed to comply with the law by possessing and consuming marijuana and then failing to provide complete and candid information regarding this drug use. The charges arise from the commission’s investigation into allegations that Judge Plummer behaved erratically and in an agitated manner on several occasions. Judge Plummer is not currently hearing cases.
The Supreme Court has final authority to determine what, if any, judicial misconduct occurred. The Court can dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement between the commission and Judge Plummer, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose a fine, or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a suspension to a permanent ban on holding judicial office in Indiana. More information about the commission can be found on its website. Judge Plummer is represented by attorney Glen Koch who can be reached at glenkoch@boclawyers.com.
Contact
Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer
317-234-4722
kathryn.dolan@courts.in.gov