Criminal Complaint Filed Against Marion County Prosecutor and Attorney Abdul Hakim Shabazz

Indianapolis, IN — A legal firestorm has erupted in Marion County as criminal complaints were filed in Superior Court against Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and his associate, attorney Abdul Hakim Shabazz. The complaints, filed by former Republican Congressional candidate Gabe Whitley, allege official misconduct and obstruction of justice, stemming from events that Whitley and his legal team argue are politically motivated.

The controversy dates back to July when an arrest warrant was issued for Whitley following controversial tweets. In one, Whitley wrote: “National Law Enforcement needs to raid Shabazz’s house and shoot him like a pig.” In another, he stated, “Secret Service missed @AttyAbdul. Joking.” Prosecutor Mears filed charges against Whitley, claiming the tweets constituted threats.

Whitley and his former attorney strongly dispute the charges. They argue that expressing a need for government action—even in hyperbolic or distasteful terms—does not meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution. One of Whitley’s lawyers called the charges “political persecution at its finest,” emphasizing that the case should be dismissed immediately.

Adding to the legal drama, Whitley’s former attorney vowed to depose and impeach Shabazz for allegedly fabricating evidence to obstruct justice. According to Whitley, Shabazz manipulated his friendship with Mears to press charges against him and prevent him from attending court hearings for a defamation hearing by issuing an arrest warrant.

Whitley, who maintains his innocence, has filed multiple actions in response. He lodged criminal complaints against both Mears and Shabazz, accusing Mears of official misconduct—a Level 6 felony under Indiana law. Additionally, Whitley has sued Ryan Mears and the State of Indiana in federal court for $8.5 million, alleging violations of his constitutional rights.

“This is a blatant abuse of power and a clear attempt to silence me for speaking the truth,” Whitley said in a statement. “The charges are baseless, and I will continue to fight to expose this corruption.”

The criminal complaint and federal lawsuit add to the growing scrutiny of Marion County’s prosecutorial practices. Whitley’s legal team is optimistic about their chances, arguing that the charges against him are legally and ethically indefensible.

As the cases move forward, they are sure to draw significant public and political attention, with implications for both local governance and broader debates about free speech and prosecutorial overreach.