On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Indiana Supreme Court permanently banned Matthew J. Elkin, Judge of the Howard Superior Court, from judicial service. The decision stems from findings that Judge Elkin engaged in judicial misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Matthew J. Elkin,” with case number 25S-JD-69.
The court’s order requires Elkin to resign from his position and leave office no later than September 30, 2025. After this date, he will be ineligible for any judicial service, including roles as a judge pro tempore, temporary judge, or private judge. Elkin will, however, be allowed to retain his law license unless the Court orders otherwise.
The disciplinary action follows a “Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges” filed by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications. The Commission’s charges alleged that Elkin failed to disqualify himself from cases where he had previously represented a party, made inappropriate comments to participants in problem-solving courts, favored some litigants while mistreating others, inadequately supervised employees, and potentially misused court funds.
Elkin served as judge of the Howard Superior Court beginning in January 2023. He also presided over cases in Howard County’s Drug Court and Re-Entry Court, which provide tailored services and monitoring for defendants with substance use issues or reintegration needs. Before his election to the bench, Elkin worked primarily as a public defender, including serving as the appointed public defender for both the Drug Court and Re-Entry Court.
The Supreme Court found that Elkin presided over several matters involving participants he had previously represented as defense counsel, failing to recuse himself from at least eleven cases until the Commission notified him of its inquiry.
The Court’s opinion detailed instances of misconduct during Problem-Solving Court (PSC) hearings, including a scheme called “Game or Jail” and demeaning comments toward participants. He also allegedly disclosed confidential information about other participants and demeaned PSC team members.
The Commission also brought to light that Elkin may have reimbursed himself for PSC trainings with unauthorized funds. The Commission agreed to discontinue its investigation into these matters, given Elkin’s agreement to repay the funds, resign from office, and be permanently banned from judicial service.
The Supreme Court determined that Elkin’s actions violated multiple provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, including rules requiring judges to act impartially, promote public confidence in the judiciary, and perform duties competently and diligently.
While the court acknowledged mitigating circumstances, such as Elkin’s acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the Commission, they ultimately concluded that a permanent ban from judicial service was necessary to protect the integrity of the judicial system.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
