In the Matter of the Honorable Robert W. Freese, Judge of the Hendricks Superior Court 1, Respondent.

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court disciplined Judge Robert W. Freese for judicial misconduct involving the appointment of an unqualified friend as trustee and personal representative, failure to disclose the relationship, and neglect of accounting duties. Relying on violations of Rules 1.2, 2.4(B), 2.5(A) and 2.13(A)(1) of the Code of Judicial Conduct and analogous precedent, the Court imposed a 45‑day suspension without pay and assessed costs. The decision also discusses mitigating factors and the purpose of judicial discipline.