On Friday, April 17, 2026, FOX59 reported that Lawrence County Judge John Plummer is facing official disciplinary charges for alleged marijuana use and for not being forthcoming about it.
Judge Plummer, who serves in Lawrence County Superior Court 1, has been formally charged with two counts of misconduct. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications announced the charges, which accuse Plummer of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct by failing to comply with drug laws. The charges include possessing and consuming marijuana and subsequently not providing complete and candid information regarding his actions.
The commission’s investigation revealed that between February and May 2025, various court staff, attorneys, county officials, and fellow judges noticed significant changes in Plummer’s judgment, appearance, and behavior. Witnesses reported that Plummer exhibited pressured speech and made tangential comments during official meetings, becoming increasingly erratic and difficult to engage compared to his prior professional manner. He also allegedly isolated himself frequently in his chambers, appeared visibly upset, and created an uncomfortable atmosphere for staff.
After being confronted by a fellow judge, Plummer admitted to consuming marijuana he had obtained in Michigan. In response to concerns about his drug use and erratic behavior, the Commission issued a notice in June requesting a written explanation. Plummer responded in August, admitting to consuming illicit drugs, specifying that he occasionally used a small amount of THC to help him sleep.
Further investigation indicated that Plummer’s marijuana use was more extensive than initially admitted. Fellow judges reported that Plummer admitted to vaping marijuana between February and May 2025, at an average rate of five puffs daily. During a deposition in November, the Commission alleges that Plummer was not forthcoming when directly asked about his drug use, contradicting himself by stating he only ever vaped in college and only told judges about gummies.
These inconsistencies led the Commission to file a notice of charges and formal proceedings against Plummer with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The seven-member commission filed the ethical misconduct allegations on April 17.
The Indiana Supreme Court now has the final authority to determine if Plummer committed judicial misconduct, and if so, what actions to take. The Court’s options include dismissing the charges, accepting or rejecting an agreement between Plummer and the Commission, appointing a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, imposing a fine, or imposing sanctions ranging from reprimand to permanent ban.
Source: FOX59
