Indiana Supreme Court Suspends AG for 30 Days

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill (WISH-TV Photo)

The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended Attorney General Curtis Hill from practicing law for 30 days. In a unanimous opinion Monday, the court said Hill violated professional conduct rules in an alleged incident involving four women at a downtown Indianapolis bar in 2018.

The court says Hill “engaged in acts against four women—a state
representative and three legislative assistants—that involved various
forms of nonconsensual and inappropriate touching.” 

The court says Hill’s suspension will begin May 18 and he will be automatically reinstated after 30 days. Additionally, Hill is prevented from undertaking “any new legal matters between service of this opinion and the effective date of the suspension.”

You can read the full opinion in the document below or by clicking here. Hill released the following statement Monday afternoon:

“I accept with humility and respect the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling of a 30-day suspension of my license with automatic reinstatement. I have directed that beginning Monday, May 18, Chief Deputy Aaron Negangard will assume responsibility for the legal operations of this office during the temporary suspension of my license until it is reinstated on Wednesday, June 17. I offer my deepest gratitude to my family, friends and the entire staff of the Office of the Attorney General. My staff has worked tirelessly and without interruption and will continue to do so on behalf of all Hoosiers.”

In February, a hearing officer recommended a 60-day suspension without automatic reinstatement. 

The women who accused Hill of groping them at a party marking the end of the 2018 legislative session include Gabrielle Brock, a Senate Democratic staff member; State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon (D-Munster); Democratic House staffer Samantha Lozano; and Niki DaSilva, a former Republican Senate aide.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Hill in March.