Delaware County adopts resolution of no confidence in Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on July 6 to adopt a resolution declaring ‘‘a vote of no confidence on Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.’’ The resolution, read into the record by a commissioner, faulted Marion County policies for contributing to ‘‘spillover effects’’ of violent crime that commissioners said have imposed public-safety risks and fiscal burdens on Delaware County.

The resolution text states that ‘‘the Delaware County Board of Commissioners, the Delaware County Prosecutor and the Delaware County Sheriff hereby declare a vote of no confidence on Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears,’’ and directs copies be transmitted to the governor, the Indiana General Assembly, prosecuting-attorneys’ counsel, Marion County elected officials and the congressional delegation. A commissioner who helped move the measure said law-enforcement partners in Delaware County — including the county prosecutor and sheriff — supported the action.

Commission discussion framed the measure as a response to cases prosecutors describe as originating in Marion County that required local investigations, incarceration and trial costs in neighboring jurisdictions. One commissioner said local officials ‘‘experienced multiple years of elevated violent crime’’ and that the resolution was intended to call for coordinated prosecutorial policies across counties.

The board recorded a roll-call vote after the motion and second; commissioners recorded ‘‘Yes’’ votes and the resolution was adopted. The county intends to forward the resolution to the cited state and federal recipients as stated in the text.

Next steps: the resolution will be signed by the three commissioners and attested by the county auditor, and the county said it would transmit copies to the named state and federal offices.