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If you missed part 1 and need additional context, please read: OPINION: Is Judge Jason Cichowicz' Re-Election Just a 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card?
Following a tip from an anonymous source, allegations have emerged that raise serious questions about the conduct of Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz, attorney Michael Misch, and the law firm Anderson, Agostino & Keller. The source claims that a "money laundering scheme" exists, and though this term may be extreme under legal definitions, the circumstances certainly warrant scrutiny.
Money laundering is defined as the act of concealment regarding the sources of illegal gains. In a recent Indiana Supreme Court ruling concerning Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz, the court said:
"Further, his act of keeping the source of funds anonymous suggests (Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz') misconduct was willful, undermining the integrity of the judiciary."
While it is unlikely that Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz, Michael Misch, and the law firm in question engaged in blatant money laundering, evidence indicates Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz did collaborate with Michael Misch to obscure the funding sources on multiple occasions using Misch's law firm.
Several pressing questions arise as we delve deeper into the judge’s actions. Firstly, why would Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz have himself added to nearly every asset owned by a disabled senior, including Cartwright’s bank accounts, retirement accounts, and home? This involvement appears troubling, especially considering the responsibility he holds over wills and estates as a Probate Judge.
Additionally, concerns deepen over why Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz chose to hide the origins of the funds utilized for renovations at the JJC, first transferring money from the Cartwright Foundation to Michael Misch's firm before routing it to “the Friends of the JJC.” This method seems to suggest a pattern of “cleaning” funds, a practice that has reportedly been repeated by Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz and Michael Misch on multiple occasions.
In its final ruling, the Indiana Supreme Court deemed the appropriate sanction for Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz a 45-day suspension without pay, alongside financial penalties. While the court acknowledged that such a suspension is a serious disciplinary measure, it also indicated that findings were just shy of warranting removal from office. Their exact wording is:
"The parties agree that an appropriate sanction is a 45-day suspension without pay plus an assessment of costs against (Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz). Although a suspension is a very severe sanction, it is fully warranted here. Suspensions longer than 30 days “reflect extremely serious judicial misconduct, just shy of what might warrant removal from office.”
Despite these findings, Probate Judge Jason Cichowicz continues to campaign for another judicial term, leaving many to wonder about the implications of these allegations on the integrity of the office he seeks to retain. If you missed part 1 and need additional context, please read: OPINION: Is Judge Jason Cichowicz' Re-Election Just a 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card?