(AUBURN) - A former DeKalb County chief deputy prosecutor has been suspended from practicing law for 180 days after a professional misconduct case involving unfounded sexual accusations, claims of judicial favoritism and derogatory remarks about multiple groups of people.
WANE 15 reports Robert James Hardy Jr. was suspended Tuesday, with automatic reinstatement.
Case files say Hardy repeatedly made unfounded accusations that a judge and another attorney were having a sexual relationship. He also claimed the judge favored that attorney in court.
The case also says Hardy made derogatory remarks about Romani people, Native Americans, Black people, poor people, women and people with autism while serving as DeKalb County's chief deputy prosecutor in 2023.
WANE 15 reports Hardy lost his position with the DeKalb County Prosecutor's Office when he was first accused of serious misconduct.
The disciplinary case found Hardy violated rules involving statements about the integrity of a judge, conduct intended to embarrass or burden another person, and conduct showing bias or prejudice in a professional capacity.
The Indiana Supreme Court determined the violations warranted a 180-day suspension with automatic reinstatement.