Indiana News

AG Rokita Responds To DC Charges

FILE - Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita speaks during a news conference in Schererville, Ind., on Nov. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission filed a new round of charges Friday against Attorney General Todd Rokita — this time surrounding his defiant response to a prior reprimand.

In a sworn affidavit, Rokita accepted responsibility for misconduct in exchange for a public reprimand last year. In its new complaint, the commission found that Rokita almost immediately released a statement contradicting his admission.

“This retraction of acceptance of responsibility demonstrates that the respondent was not candid with the court when he attested that he admitted he had violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rules,” Adrienne Meiring, executive director of the disciplinary commission, wrote in the complaint.

Rokita now faces new charges for making false statements to the Supreme Court in the conditional agreement and affidavit; engaging in dishonest behavior and misrepresenting to the Supreme Court that he accepted responsibility for his misconduct; and violating a third rule for issuing a press release that contradicted his agreement.

Rokita had this to say today:

“The lawfare continues and is aimed at silencing me because they don’t like what I say on behalf of Hoosiers who spoke loudly at the ballot box recently. This is an attempt to take away their voices as well.

These never-ending investigations have created unnecessary distractions and expenses, and despite my offer to take responsibility well over a year ago, this matter continues to be revisited by politically passionate people who have weaponized the process, going well beyond what is fair and appropriate.

The claim that my press statement contradicts the agreement is wrong. The agreement required me to acknowledge the disciplinary process and accept the reprimand, which I did — it did not require me to forfeit my right to speak truthfully about what happened regarding a major political and policy matter. I upheld my obligations while also defending myself against mischaracterizations that were circulating for weeks while being prohibited from speaking. Once able, I spoke truthfully.

I remain committed to enforcing the law, protecting Hoosiers, and defending their rights, undeterred by efforts to create further controversy where none should exist.”

The underlying case stemmed from Rokita’s televised comments about Indianapolis doctor Caitlin Bernard, who oversaw a medication abortion for a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio in 2022.

 

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1 comment

Review the Reviewers February 5, 2025 at 11:11 am

Who reviews the Disciplinary Commission to ensure they aren’t being paid? I’m sure they are…Todd is a great AG

Times need to change when Judges, Committees, school boards, etc …these people do not have any mechanism for accountability, a way to fire them, so they can do much damage prior to voting them out.

And yes, there needs to be a quick mechanism to get rid of these people. Voting does not count. Judges should be able to be kicked out and lose their Law license for obvious political attacks. School board members should be able to be removed the minute they imposed Fascist tactics like what they did during covid.

Nobody should be immune from removal

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