Nearly One Year Later, Questions Remain About Complaint Against Indiana Chief Justice Filed by Dem. Co. Chair

Court Jesters? Wait isn't that the Old Guy who gets off the bus and adverstises for Great America, Mr. Six Flags? https://youtu.be/JJXtUrus9Ho?si=iHUVPEJtt7V8ojkw

St. Joe County Democratic Party

Chairman Calls for Resignation of Indiana Supreme Court’s Chief Justice

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As HE opens South Bend News Bureau operations we here about the Police Tapes, the 2016 judge's race, the JJC or juvinile justice center, termination of parental right, adoptions, Sealed Children's law files, even Child Trafficing, so of course the lack of leadership of CJ Lorreta Rush, Notre Dame, Abortion Protesters, and Corruption galore. Lastly, "there seems to be more judges and magistrates than lawyers."

In the past permitted lawfare has shaped the St. Joseph County Circuit Court elections in 2016 and other elections including fir Mayor of South Bend. The entire just system has suffered from the arrogance of the Honorable Mark Massa pictured above with Chief Justice Rush. Massa served for years as the chairman of the counties judicial nominating committee which fills vacancies instead of voters, which is a unique process here. Other counties use party caucuses or special election or the governor decides exclusively on replacements.

Regardless, nearly a year after St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Don Westerhausen publicly called for the resignation of Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, little is publicly known about the status of the complaint he filed or whether any investigation remains ongoing

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In October 2025, Westerhausen held a press conference and issued public statements criticizing Rush's leadership and alleging ethical concerns related to matters involving St. Joseph County's juvenile justice system and broader judicial governance issues. At the time, he called for the Chief Justice to step down and urged state authorities to review the allegations.

Chairman: Don Westerhausen Vice-Chair Woman: Debbie Ladyga-Block Secretary: Mary McAfee and other party activists

Since then, however, there has been no public announcement of formal charges, disciplinary proceedings, findings, or dismissal of the complaint.

Under Indiana law, complaints against judges are generally confidential unless formal charges are filed. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications investigates complaints involving judges and justices, but the public ordinarily receives little information regarding the disposition of complaints that do not result in formal proceedings.

That confidentiality, while intended to protect judicial independence and prevent reputational damage from frivolous allegations, often leaves citizens wondering whether complaints were dismissed, privately resolved, or remain under review.

The lack of public information has led some observers to ask whether there should be greater transparency regarding complaints involving the state's highest judicial officers.

Another issue likely to attract attention is timing.

Indiana's attorney disciplinary system generally requires investigations to be completed and action taken within twelve months unless the Indiana Supreme Court grants additional time. However, that rule specifically applies to attorney disciplinary grievances and does not automatically govern judicial ethics investigations. (InCourts Rules)

Even so, the one-year benchmark has prompted questions about whether judicial disciplinary matters should similarly be resolved within a defined period, particularly when allegations involve high-profile public officials.

Critics argue that lengthy confidential investigations can undermine public confidence by creating uncertainty and speculation. Supporters of confidentiality counter that judicial investigations often involve complex factual and legal issues that require careful review and that premature disclosure could unfairly damage judges who ultimately are found to have committed no misconduct.

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications was established by the Indiana Constitution and serves as the investigative body for judicial misconduct complaints. However, only the Indiana Supreme Court possesses the authority to impose formal discipline upon judges and justices. (InCourts Rules)

As the one-year anniversary of Westerhausen's public allegations approaches, several questions remain unanswered:'

• Was the complaint dismissed?

• Is an investigation still pending?

• Was any confidential action taken?

• Should the public be informed when complaints involving statewide judicial leaders are concluded?

  
  

At present, none of those questions appear to have been answered publicly.

Chairman: Don Westerhausen

Dr. Westerhausen continues to serve as chairman of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party and remains an outspoken critic of certain aspects of Indiana's judicial system. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Rush continues to serve on the Indiana Supreme Court, and no formal disciplinary charges have been announced.

Absent voluntary disclosure by one of the parties or the filing of formal charges, Hoosiers may never learn the ultimate disposition of the complaint.

For some, that confidentiality protects judicial independence.

For others like the Hoosier Enquirer and HE readers, it raises a different question:

Who watches the watchdogs in Indiana? How does such unqualified persons as Loretta Rush and Mark Massa rise to power? Ans: Mitch Daniels insiders and he often said the he preferred "dumbies serve on the 3rd branch of government." So, now both Democrats and Repuplicans pay the price, and both parties are calling for their resignations.

Sources: Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications procedures; Indiana judicial disciplinary rules; public statements by St. Joseph County Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Don Westerhausen regarding Chief Justice Loretta Rush. (InCourts Rules)

https://www.wndu.com/2025/10/30/st-joe-county-democratic-party-chair-calls-resignation-indiana-supreme-courts-chief-justice/