Indiana judge faces two misconduct counts after OWI plea

The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed two formal misconduct counts against Porter Superior Court Judge Christopher A. Buckley on Oct. 16, 2026. The allegations are pending before the Indiana Supreme Court in case 26S-JD-373 and have not been adjudicated.

The commission says it found probable cause to bring formal charges. That is not a finding that Buckley committed misconduct. Separately, a Supreme Court order appointed Senior Judge Michael N. Pagano to perform Porter Superior Court 4’s duties while Buckley is unable to serve.

Counts concern OWI conviction and alleged appeal to judicial status i

The first count alleges Buckley violated Judicial Conduct Rules 1.1 and 1.2 in connection with his Aug. 15, 2026, arrest and subsequent conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The commission’s filing says Buckley pleaded guilty on Aug. 17 to one Class C misdemeanor. Two Class A misdemeanor charges were dismissed under the plea agreement.

The filing says the criminal sentence was 60 days in jail, with 58 days suspended, and 180 days of probation. It also required an alcohol evaluation and participation in a treatment program as directed by probation. The commission’s filing reports a blood-alcohol result of 0.221%.

The second count alleges Buckley violated Judicial Conduct Rule 1.3 by referring to his judicial status, connections or career consequences while seeking leniency during the investigation. That claim is an allegation in the judicial-discipline case, separate from the guilty plea.

The filing also recounts earlier disciplinary matters. Buckley received a public admonition in November 2021 concerning bond decisions while he was a town-court judge. In March 2025, Buckley and the commission entered a deferred resolution agreement after an earlier inquiry. The commission says it rescinded that agreement following the 2026 arrest and conviction. The current counts are a separate proceeding.

Pagano appointed to cover Porter Superior Court 4 i

An Indiana Supreme Court order signed Oct. 14 said Buckley was unable to serve and appointed Pagano as judge pro tempore, effective Oct. 16. The order authorizes Pagano to perform Porter Superior Court 4’s duties until further order and says the state will pay him at the same rate as the regular judge. The Indiana Judicial Branch said Buckley was not then hearing cases.

Buckley may file a written answer within 20 days after service of the charges, but an answer is not required. The 20-day period runs from service, not necessarily from the Oct. 16 filing date. After the answer stage, the commission asks the Supreme Court to appoint three masters to conduct a public hearing.

The Indiana Supreme Court has final authority over the discipline case. It may dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement, appoint a hearing panel, or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to suspension or a permanent ban from judicial office. The commission’s counts remain unresolved, and no sanction has been established.