HAMILTON COUNTY — A Hamilton County magistrate has been indefinitely suspended amid drug charges filed today.
Magistrate William Paul Greenaway is charged with methamphetamine possession, resisting law enforcement, and obstruction of justice--- all level 6 felonies.
The case started in November when Indiana State Police received information from a confidential informant that Greenaway bought and used methamphetamine.
The confidential informant said Greenaway referred to meth as “coffee” in his communications.
On March 20, Indiana State Police detectives met with the confidential informant to prepare for a controlled methamphetamine purchase in a store parking lot involving Greenaway.
After allegedly buying the drugs from the informant, state police officers handcuffed Greenaway who they believe swallowed a plastic bag full of meth.
Greenaway refused to comply with officers when they told Greenaway to open his mouth, and bit one of the detectives on the thumb, records show.
Greenaway was transported to the hospital to receive treatment.
During an interview with detectives Greenaway stated, “I have been set up.”
Greenaway said a female acquaintance had asked him to hold something for her, and when he saw an officer, he panicked and swallowed it.
Call 6 Investigates contacted Court Administration, who released a statement to RTV6.
“The Judges of the Hamilton County Courts have learned of allegations against Magistrate Will Greenaway and, due to the nature of these allegations, have indefinitely suspended him pending further information,” said Orval Schierholz, Administrator of Courts for Hamilton County. “The Judges want to assure the public that the Courts have taken steps to ensure the Courts’ business is not impacted. The Courts’ records are protected and the Courts’ business in all of Hamilton County’s Courts will continue.”
Records show Greenaway has not yet been booked into the jail and there is no mugshot available for him.
The Indiana Supreme Court may take disciplinary action against Greenaway.
He is current listed as “in good standing” with no disciplinary history.
All judicial officers including judges and magistrates are required to follow the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Call 6 Investigates was unable to reach Greenaway for comment.
