INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said Monday he is resigning to focus on his health while dealing with prostate cancer.

The prosecutor’s office said Curry has been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer since 2015. Curry said he is being treated at the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. He also said he has contemplated stepping down for some time, but “accelerated” the consideration in the past couple of weeks.

In a 30-minute news conference, he highlighted the accomplishments during his 8-1/2 years as prosecutor. His work included the trials in Fort Wayne and South Bend after the Richmond Hill neighborhood’s natural gas explosion and the trial of former IMPD officer David Bisard.

During the news conference, he said, “It’s killing me to step down at this time. I love this office. I love this job.”

He delivered his intent to resign Saturday by text to Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is traveling internationally. After Curry leaves the office, he will continue work as a deputy prosecutor working with grand juries, he said.

Curry also said, “This is the process going forward. Chief Deputy Ryan Mears will enter the role of prosecutor for the next 30 days.”

Mears has served 12 years in the prosecutor’s office, Curry said.

Within 30 days, a Marion County Democratic Party caucus will select a new prosecutor to serve through December 2022.

Prior to the news conference, Curry issued a statement:

“Serving as the Marion County Prosecutor has been the privilege of my professional life. It has been my honor to seek justice on behalf of those who are wronged in our community and to ensure that victims’ rights are protected.

“In leading our office, I have always approached our responsibilities with fairness and respect, integrity, and the highest ethical standards.

“Ending my time of service prior to the fulfillment of this third term was a very difficult decision.

“My medical condition has made it necessary that I scale back my professional commitments and focus on my health and family.”

Statements

“Over the last forty years, Terry Curry has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for our city. Since being elected Marion County Prosecutor, he has worked to balance the responsibilities of his office with the needs of the community and I am grateful for his efforts.

“I’ve always known Terry to be a strong competitor – whether on the court or in the courtroom — and I believe this fight will be no different. My thoughts are with Terry, Anne, and the entire Curry family during this difficult time.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett

“My thanks to Prosecutor Curry for his service and dedication. I join many others in prayer that his good health is restored. We all know this is a very challenging time for Indianapolis. The shooting incident this past weekend shows how far we have fallen and we cannot continue with business as usual. Mayor Hogsett will play a big role in the Democratic Party election of a new prosecutor. I strongly urge Mayor Hogsett to select an experienced prosecutor, perhaps someone already working in the prosecutor’s office. Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Mears has been named acting prosecutor. He is very experienced; it is my hope that Joe Hogsett will put prosecutorial experience front and center as his party seeks to fill this critical position. Many thanks to Prosecutor Terry Curry for his service.”

Indiana state Sen. Jim Merritt, the Republican candidate for Indianapolis mayor

“Terry Curry has dedicated his life to serving others — whether through his service in the U.S. Army, his career as a journalist exposing discriminatory lending practices, or fighting for Marion County residents first as Deputy Prosecutor and then Prosecutor, Terry Curry has continued to seek justice. For nearly a decade, he led an office of integrity, professionalism, and fairness. He left an indelible mark on our community, and we thank him for his years of committed service to Marion County.”

Marion County Democratic Party Chair Kate Sweeney Bell

“The Lawrence Police Department extends our heartfelt gratitude to Marion Co Prosecutor Terry Curry for his career-long commitment of service to the citizens of Marion Co, the State of Indiana, and our great Nation.

“During his tenure as the elected Prosecutor of Marion Co, Mr Curry was well-respected for his fairness & tireless advocacy for victims of crime. The relationship between the Marion Co Prosecutors Office & law enforcement agencies has never been better than during Mr Curry’s leadership.

“While we are saddened to learn of his ongoing medical condition, we remain hopeful for swift restoration to Mr Curry’s good health. Our thoughts are with Mr Curry and his family as they walk along the pathway to recovery together.

“We also have full faith and confidence in the continuing capable leadership at the Marion Co Prosecutors Office of Acting Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Mears, whose years of service as a Deputy Prosecutor, including Chief Trial Deputy, will serve him well.”

David Hofmann, chief, Lawrence Police Department