Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears could face felony chargesPhoto by Twitter
In a shocking turn of events, sealed court documents reveal that Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears may face charges of official misconduct, a Class 6 Felony in Indiana, for allegedly abusing his office in a politically motivated case against Indianapolis resident Gabriel Whitley. The case, which has raised significant concerns about the impartiality of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, involves an alleged coordinated effort between Mears and a local radio host to target Whitley over a social media post.
According to the documents obtained by Hoosier Enquirer, the controversy began when Whitley posted the radio host’s address on social media, calling for an FBI raid on the host's home over alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars. The post quickly drew the attention of Mears, who is reportedly a long-time friend of the radio host. Mears then charged Whitley with intimidation, a Class 6 Felony, based on the tweet.
The documents also reveal that the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office took unusual steps in handling the case. The radio host, whose identity remains undisclosed, was informed of Whitley’s arrest warrant before it was even issued, a move that has raised ethical questions. Additionally, the radio host was reportedly ordered by the Prosecutor’s Office to delete a Facebook post that confirmed the existence of the arrest warrant before it was public knowledge.
In response to the growing concerns, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office requested the appointment of a Special Prosecutor to oversee the case. However, this has not quelled the rising tensions, as five separate prosecutors have now been sent letters urging them to investigate Mears for potential criminal conduct.
Gabriel Whitley, who has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, has vowed to sue Ryan Mears, Marion County, and the State of Indiana, claiming that his constitutional rights were violated over a simple tweet. Whitley’s legal team argues that the case against him is politically motivated and selectively enforced. They point to an earlier incident where the radio host allegedly posted Whitley’s address and threatened him with violence, yet Mears did not pursue similar charges against the host.
“The double standard is clear,” Whitley stated. “When the radio host posted my address and threatened to kill me earlier this year, Mears didn’t go after him for intimidation. But when I post the radio host’s address in a call for justice, suddenly I’m the one facing felony charges. This is not just a legal battle; this is a fight for the integrity of our justice system.”
The radio host at the center of the controversy is now facing scrutiny for his own actions, including allegedly contacting members of Whitley’s household in an attempt to gather information on him. Critics argue that this behavior further undermines the legitimacy of the case against Whitley and highlights the potential for personal vendettas to influence legal proceedings.
In a recent radio broadcast, the host was overheard gloating about the situation, stating that he was not afraid of Whitley—a statement that has only fueled speculation that the charges against Whitley are rooted in personal animosity rather than legitimate legal concerns.
As the investigation into Ryan Mears and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office unfolds, the case against Gabriel Whitley is increasingly being viewed through the lens of potential misconduct and abuse of power. The allegations, if proven true, could have serious implications for the future of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and its leadership.
For now, all eyes are on the five prosecutors who have been called upon to investigate the situation. Whitley’s future lawsuit against the prosecutor, Marion County, and the State of Indiana promises to be a landmark case, potentially reshaping the boundaries of prosecutorial power and accountability in the state.
Hoosier Enquirer will continue to follow this developing story as new details emerge.