Franklin Co. Prosecutor Wilhelm Awarded For 40 Years In Office

Mel Wilhelm is one of Indiana's most-tenured prosecuting attorneys.

(From left) Franklin County Prosecutor Melvin Wilhelm, IPAC Executive Director David Powell and Grant County Prosecutor James Luttrull. Photo provided.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - Franklin County’s longtime prosecutor is being recognized for his career.

Mel Wilhelm has been the prosecutor in Franklin County for 40 years. First elected in 1978, he is retiring at the end of this year after not seeking re-election.

Wilhelm was awarded a Eugene “Shine” Feller Award from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council during the organization’s winter conference earlier this month.

“It’s a true testament to Mel’s character and ability as a prosecutor that he’s been in that office for so long,” IPAC Executive Director David Powell said. “We’re losing a lot of experience with his departure.”

Wilhelm is a former president of the IPAC.

Created in 1975 to commemorate the late Harrison County Prosecutor Eugene Feller, the award is the highest honor the council gives out. The award has been given to prosecutors, governor and judges and is meant to award Indiana’s outstanding citizens. This is just the third time that two ‘Shine’ Feller awards have been given out in the same year. Both Luttrull and Wilhelm are also former presidents of the Association.

A second Feller award was given to Grant County Prosecutor James Luttrull. It is just the third time two of the awards have been handed out in the same year.