Marion Star Editorial Board
When Marion County Judge Jason Warner s role in the hit-skip crash from last June became public, many residents questioned whether the justice system could hold one of their own accountable.
Online comments asserted that Warner and his wife, Julia, would get special treatment because of his position. A local judge would be treated better than a regular Joe or Jane.
The resulting photos of Jason Warner being led away in handcuffs on Wednesday should have put such concerns to rest.
Yes, the justice system can often be excruciatingly slow, but in this case it showed that it can work to ensure people in power are not given special treatment.
Charges filed on Election Day 2019 against Marion City Auditor Robert Landon and former GOP Chairman John Matthews were dismissed by visiting Judge James S. Rapp on Wednesday.
Landon (R), 30, of Marion was facing charges of two first-degree misdemeanors for allegedly illegally distributing a sample ballot and allegedly sending out communications purporting to be from the board of elections. Matthews, 54, of Caledonia was facing one first-degree misdemeanor charge for illegally distributing a sample ballot. In the verdict, Judge Rapp ruled while they did send out sample ballots, charging them for this would be unconstitutional, citing their first amendment rights.
Landon said because of the charges, he and his family have been completely devastated by unprecedented, malicious and evil political attack. Landon said he, his wife, his kids and even his parents were all victims of abuse throughout the 16 months leading up to the trial.