Despite recent criticism of Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, Gov. Mike Braun says he has no plans to appoint a special prosecutor.
Why it matters: It would take legislative action to enable Braun to replace Mears, but the governor seems to have softened his stance on Mears ever so slightly after placing the blame for recent violence squarely at the prosecutor’s office door.
- “I don’t think we’re there,” Braun told reporters last week about pursuing legislative action to replace Mears. “I think that there’s going to be enough proactiveness; I’m hoping.”
Catch up quick: Mears was elected prosecutor by the Marion County Democratic Party in a 2019 caucus to replace Terry Curry, who resigned for health reasons.
- Immediately, Mears ruffled conservatives by announcing he would stop prosecuting low-level marijuana possession charges.
- That sparked talk among Republicans of “noncompliant” prosecutors.
Yes, but: Mears was re-elected in the 2022 general election.
Between the lines: IMPD called in the State Police for help over the violent July 4th weekend in Indy.
- Braun blamed the violence on Mears and Mayor Joe Hogsett and said on July 16 that holding “noncompliant prosecutors accountable” was the next step in his public safety legislative agenda.
Reality check: Mears told reporters after a hearing two days later that he’d never had a conversation with Braun…