The Star Press
May 17, 2008
    
 Teagle sworn in as judge

Circuit Court 4 Judge John Feick (not shown) gives the oath of office to Republican attorney Chris M. Teagle on Friday morning as judge of Delaware Circuit Court 5, succeeding Democrat Wayne Lennington. (KURT HOSTETLER / THE STAR PRESS)

Republican attorney Chris M. Teagle was sworn in Friday morning as judge of Delaware Circuit Court 5, succeeding Democrat Wayne Lennington. Circuit Court 4 Judge John Feick administered the oath.

The appointment was announced last week by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Lennington resigned effective May 15 in the wake of a probe by a state commission that oversees judicial conduct, and a criminal investigation by local and state authorities.

Teagle, 48, was the only person who applied for the job, according to Brad Rateike, spokesman for the governor. He is the Republican nominee for Circuit Court 5 judge in this year's general election.

The new judge has practiced law in Muncie for 23 years, and also worked as a public defender and did some pro tem work for the late Judge A.J. Hall. Practicing both civil and criminal law, Teagle's practice has spanned three counties, Delaware, Jay and Blackford, in recent years.

A native of Blackford County, Teagle earned his undergraduate degree from Taylor University and his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. He and his family live near Albany. His wife, Debbie, is an elementary school teacher at Wes-Del schools, and the couple have two children.