(Indianapolis, IN)- Indiana taxpayers have shelled out over $491,000 in public funds to defend Attorney General Todd Rokita in a series of disciplinary investigations and ethics cases.
The substantial sum, paid to four different law firms, covers Rokita’s representation in at least six separate matters before the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission since 2022. Rokita, a Republican, has consistently described these investigations as politically motivated and retaliatory.
Between 2022 and 2025, the state paid a combined $491,508 to four different lawfirms. Only two of the six investigations have resulted in formal disciplinary charges. The expenditure of public funds for Rokita’s legal defense has drawn sharp criticism. Opponents argue that taxpayers should not be responsible for these costs, viewing them instead as personal or even campaign expenses.
The most prominent ongoing complaint against Rokita stems from comments he made in a nationally televised interview in June 2022. During the interview, Rokita spoke about Indianapolis OB-GYN Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who had provided a medication abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio.
Rokita’s office settled an initial complaint related to these comments in November 2023, where he admitted to violating two professional conduct rules, resulting in a public reprimand and a fine.
Despite the settlement, Rokita and his legal team have been vocal in accusing members of the disciplinary commission of partisan bias. They have also called for significant changes in how the commission operates, alleging an unaccountable and politically charged disciplinary process.
The Indiana Supreme Court will ultimately decide on the pending complaint against Rokita, which could lead to a public hearing and further action depending on the outcome.
(Story by Network Indiana)
