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Many marijuana possession cases in Marion County will no longer be prosecuted.
Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears made the announcement Monday morning.
Mears says his office will no longer prosecute possession cases of less than one ounce.
“I have come to this decision as a veteran prosecutor. I have seen the resources devoted to these prosecutions and believe those resources can be used more effectively to promote public safety, ensure justice for victims, and reduce recidivism,” Mears said. “When faced with the choice between prosecuting this and prosecuting acts of violence, my priority is clear.”
The prosecutor’s office says about 80 percent of marijuana possession cases in 2019 have been dismissed.
The new policy does not apply to minors.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office released this statement:
“Over the last three years, Mayor Hogsett has focused on reforming our community’s criminal justice system, prioritizing treatment for those suffering from challenges related to mental health and addiction. While today’s abrupt announcement by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office necessitates further discussion between criminal justice partners, it’s clear that our community’s focus should be on holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and keeping those who don’t belong in jail, out.”