Indiana Judge Faces Ethics Complaint for Inappropriate Conduct
March 27, 2025 – An ethics complaint has been filed against Judge Matthew J. Elkin of Howard County, Indiana, highlighting serious allegations regarding his behavior in problem-solving courts, which include drug court and reentry court. The complaint cites instances of improper remarks, bias, and challenges to ethical standards in judicial conduct.
Allegations of Misconduct
The statement of charges dated March 26 outlines various accusations against Judge Elkin. Among them are claims of favoritism towards certain litigants, a failure to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and a pattern of discourteous remarks.
Examples of Inappropriate Comments
In one controversial comment made in March 2023 to a reentry court participant who had previously suffered domestic abuse, Elkin likened the victim’s experience to that of NFL quarterback Tom Brady after a Super Bowl victory. He allegedly stated:
“If I smack the sh-t out of you right now, what chemicals get dumped in your brain? The exact same chemicals he experiences when he wins the Super Bowl. Did you know that? So the whole thing is every time I beat you up or you beat me up, we won the Super Bowl.”
This comment has been criticized for trivializing the serious issue of domestic violence.
Use of Coercive Tactics
In another incident from October 2023, Elkin reportedly employed a “game or jail” approach when addressing a participant accused of violating court rules. He ordered the handcuffing of a nearby individual, hinting that failure to be truthful could lead to their incarceration as a means to coerce the participant into honesty.
Additional Complaints
The ethics complaint also includes other troubling allegations, such as:
- Making disparaging remarks, including comparing a defendant’s criminal record to that of child molesters.
- Displaying a sign with offensive language to a participant.
- Failing to recuse himself from cases where he had previously served as the defendant’s attorney.
- Surveilling participants outside the courtroom.
- Providing preferential treatment to select participants, such as allowing one to stay at his wife’s rental property and arranging transportation for others.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Jennifer Lukemeyer, Elkin’s attorney, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. The outcome of the ethics complaint and any potential disciplinary actions remain to be seen as judicial conduct boards evaluate the seriousness of the claims.
Conclusion
The actions and comments attributed to Judge Elkin raise significant concerns regarding the administration of justice and the treatment of vulnerable individuals participating in problem-solving courts. The ongoing investigation will play a crucial role in determining the accountability of judicial figures in public service.
