(Brookville, Ind.) - A Franklin County judge candidate has been slapped with disciplinary charges regarding statements made relating to a judge's handling of convicted Laurel Five killer David Ison.

Democrat candidate for Franklin Circuit Court Judge Tammy Davis, a Brookville attorney, has alleged that current Judge Steven Cox, a Republican, modified David Ison’s sentence prior to his release on a fraud charge.

On her website and in news articles, Davis has alleged that Ison should have been in jail at the time of the murders had Cox not allowed him to be released early. She alleged that Ison received preferential treatment because Cox and Ison had once been classmates.

Cox has denied the allegations adamantly, going so far as to hold a public meeting in September to clarify his handling of Ison’s cases in his court.

On Friday, the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications levied seven disciplinary charges stating that Davis made and failed to correct misleading statements during her campaign. The statements compromised “the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary,” according to a ICJQ news release.

Davis has 20 days to respond to the allegations. But, if the charges stand she could face discipline or be permanently disqualified from holding judicial office.

“The charges are allegations – only the five members of the Supreme Court can determine what, if any, allegations are true,” said Kathryn Dolan, spokesperson for the Indiana Supreme Court.

Davis will still be eligible and listed on the November 6 ballot. The Indiana Supreme Court will appoint a three-person panel to conduct a public hearing on the allegations, which likely won't happen until after the election.

Doolan did not say who reported Davis. Complaints to the ICJQ are confidential and can be filed by anybody.

LINKS:

Should David Ison Have Been In Prison?

Woman Charged In Connection With Laurel Five