Former Clark County Councilman John Miller Seeks Judge Larry Medlock’s Recusal Over Inauguration Trip Denial

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Wave reported that former Clark County Councilman John Miller is seeking to have Judge Larry Medlock removed from his case, citing concerns over the judge’s perceived bias. Miller faces charges for violating Indiana’s conflict of interest law by approving funding for contracts linked to former Sheriff Jamey Noel without disclosing that he had accepted gifts from Noel.

In a recent hearing, Judge Medlock denied Miller’s request to travel to President Trump’s inauguration. Miller, who is currently on bond while awaiting trial, had two tickets to the event secured through Congresswoman Erin Houchin’s office. This has drawn attention given Miller’s previous connections to Houchin and other Republican figures, including a photo he posted with her during an Indiana Republican dinner in 2023.

During the hearing, Judge Medlock questioned Miller’s connections to Noel, who has expressed a desire for Miller to continue serving on the council. The judge raised concerns about the potential conflict arising from Miller’s acceptance of travel, meals, and concert tickets from Noel while simultaneously voting on funding for Noel’s nonprofit organization, New Chapel EMS. Medlock expressed skepticism about Miller’s failure to file a disclosure statement regarding these benefits.

Judge Medlock emphasized that he would not allow the perception of favoritism to undermine public trust in government operations. He stated that rewarding individuals who have benefited improperly at the expense of taxpayers would not be tolerated. This stance has prompted Miller’s attorney to challenge Medlock’s impartiality, arguing that the judge is more focused on upholding public confidence than on fairly adjudicating Miller’s case.

In response to the challenge, Medlock has scheduled a hearing to address the issue of his potential recusal. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for Miller’s ongoing legal battles and the public’s perception of the judicial process in this high-profile case.

Source: Wave