Indianapolis, December 20, 2025
Jennifer-Ruth Green, the former Secretary of Public Safety, has settled an ethics case in Indianapolis by agreeing to pay a $10,000 fine for violating ethics rules. This settlement concludes the commission’s inquiry, though the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is still contemplating potential criminal charges related to the allegations. The case underscores the need for accountability among public officials and highlights the impact of ethical governance on business growth and community trust in Indiana.
Former Public Safety Secretary Settles Ethics Case in Indianapolis
A $10,000 Fine Concludes the Ethics Inquiry but Criminal Charges Loom
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana State Ethics Commission has recently approved a settlement requiring Jennifer-Ruth Green, the former Secretary of Public Safety, to pay a $10,000 civil fine for violations of ethics rules. This settlement marks the end of the ethics case against Green, yet the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is still reviewing the possibility of potential criminal charges related to the same allegations.
As the state continues to focus on maintaining integrity in public office, this situation highlights the importance of accountability among officials. The entrepreneurial spirit of Indiana thrives on a foundation of ethical governance, which fosters trust and encourages business growth and community involvement. A streamlined approach to public service, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, can empower individuals to pursue innovation and maintain public trust.
Details of the Settlement
In the settlement approved by the Ethics Commission, Green acknowledged her violations of Indiana’s political activity and state property misuse laws. Specifically, she admitted that state employees were utilized to create and proofread political content for her Facebook page, “Elect Jennifer-Ruth Green,” and that she misused her state vehicle for personal errands. The fine of $10,000 is required to be paid within 60 days of the commission’s decision, and the settlement precludes any further sanctions from the commission.
Background Context
Green’s resignation in September 2025 followed an investigation by the Indiana Office of Inspector General into accusations of improperly involving state employees in political activities during work hours and using state resources for personal gain. The inspector’s office estimated that state employees contributed about $1,300 worth of labor on political content for Green’s campaign, in addition to approximately 7,000 personal miles incurred on her state-issued vehicle, amounting to a benefit of about $5,000.
Potential Criminal Charges
Although the ethics case has been resolved, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office continues to deliberate on the potential for criminal charges. The inspector general’s office referred its findings for potential criminal proceedings in October 2025, indicating the case may have further legal implications.
Green’s Response
In her response during the commission meeting, as presented by her attorney, Green expressed her regrets over the violations, describing them as mistakes made without malicious intent or personal gain. She opted to accept the settlement to avoid a protracted legal conflict.
Conclusion
The resolution of Jennifer-Ruth Green’s ethics case brings closure to the investigations surrounding her conduct during her tenure as Secretary of Public Safety. With the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office still assessing the potential for criminal charges, this situation serves as a reminder of the need for ethical standards in public service. Maintaining high ethical standards fosters a strong business environment in Indianapolis, contributing positively to the local economy and supporting community development.
- What was the settlement approved by the Indiana State Ethics Commission?
- The Indiana State Ethics Commission approved a settlement requiring former Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green to pay a $10,000 civil fine for ethics violations, concluding the ethics case against her. Potential criminal charges remain under review by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
- What violations did Jennifer-Ruth Green admit to?
- Jennifer-Ruth Green admitted to violating Indiana’s political activity and misuse of state property rules. Specifically, she acknowledged having state employees create and proofread content for her “Elect Jennifer-Ruth Green” Facebook account and using her assigned state vehicle for personal tasks.
- What is the status of potential criminal charges against Jennifer-Ruth Green?
- While the ethics case has been settled, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is still reviewing the possibility of criminal charges related to Jennifer-Ruth Green’s actions. The inspector general’s office referred the findings of potential criminal activity to the prosecutor’s office in October 2025.
- What was the nature of the investigation into Jennifer-Ruth Green?
- The Indiana Office of Inspector General investigated allegations that Jennifer-Ruth Green directed state employees to assist with political activities during work hours and used state resources for personal purposes. The inspector general’s office calculated that state employees spent approximately $1,300 creating and posting political content for Green, and that she logged roughly 7,000 personal miles on her state-issued vehicle—a combined benefit of about $5,000.
- How did Jennifer-Ruth Green respond to the allegations?
- In a statement read by her attorney during the ethics commission meeting, Jennifer-Ruth Green expressed that the violations were mistakes made without malicious intent or for personal gain. She also stated that she accepted the settlement and responsibility for the minor violations to avoid a prolonged legal battle.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Approved | Jennifer-Ruth Green to pay a $10,000 civil fine for ethics violations; ethics case concluded. |
| Potential Criminal Charges | Marion County Prosecutor’s Office reviewing the possibility of criminal charges; inspector general’s office referred findings in October 2025. |
| Ethics Violations | Green admitted to violating political activity and misuse of state property rules; used state employees for campaign content and state vehicle for personal tasks. |
| Investigation Details | Inspector general’s office calculated $1,300 in state employee time for political content and 7,000 personal miles on state vehicle, totaling about $5,000 in personal benefit. |
| Green’s Response | Accepted settlement and responsibility for minor violations; stated mistakes were without malicious intent or personal gain. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
