Make wishtv.com your home page

Democrats choose Ryan Mears for Marion County prosecutor

Democrats choose Ryan Mears for Marion County prosecutor

News 8

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Marion County has decided the future of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears was elected to officially fill the position during a caucus at the Julia Carson Government Center Saturday morning.

Voters chose Mears over his opponent, top mayoral aide Tim Moriarty.

According to Caroline Ellert, executive director of Marion County Democratic Party, 305 of the 376 eligible precinct committee chairs and vice chairs submitted ballots.

Mears was announced as acting Marion County Prosecutor almost two weeks ago after Terry Curry stepped down to focus on treating his prostate cancer.

Within a week of stepping into the role, Mears decided to stop prosecuting marijuana offenses involving less than one ounce.

The decision came with mixed reviews from lawmakers, law enforcement and the community.

Since the change to the prosecution policy, 148 cases that were pending at the time of the policy announcement have been dropped.

Mears will serve through December 31, 2022.