Republican State Representative Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) attempted to contact the judge overseeing his small claims case via personal email just days before a scheduled court hearing—an act the Vermillion Circuit Court formally flagged as improper ex parte communication.
According to a court notice dated June 23, 2025, Yocum emailed Judge Chris Wrede on June 22, 2025, regarding the pending case brought by Wabash Valley Construction. The email, which is now part of the official case file, included a request for a new judge, citing alleged past interactions. Yocum claimed that at a Republican meeting in Dana, Indiana, Judge Wrede had referred to him as “immoral and unethical” and defended a third party who had made negative social media posts about Yocum.
Upon receiving the email, the court acknowledged its contents without reviewing it in full, noting that it had not been served on the opposing party and was not filed through appropriate legal channels. The judge took no action on the message, and a formal notice was entered into the record and distributed to all parties.
At the June 24 hearing, Yocum repeated his concerns in open court, requesting either recusal or a change of judge. The court denied the request, stating that it was both procedurally deficient and untimely. Under Indiana Small Claims Rule 12.1, any motion for a change of judge must be filed within 10 days of service. Yocum had been served on May 29, 2025.
The court further held that, under Indiana precedent, judges are presumed impartial unless clear evidence to the contrary is presented. Citing Zavodnik v. Harper and Lambert v. State, the court emphasized the competing duties to preside and to recuse, and concluded that no recusal was warranted in this case.
The case itself involved a remodeling dispute. Earlier this year, Wabash Valley Construction completed a bathroom remodeling project at Yocum’s Clinton residence under an oral agreement. While there was no written contract, both parties acknowledged the work was agreed upon, performed, and partially paid. Wabash Valley submitted an invoice (Invoice #1109) for $6,671.18 on April 8. Yocum paid $5,000 but withheld the balance, claiming the charges were excessive compared to other subcontractors.
The court reviewed communications between the parties—including text messages, social media exchanges, and estimates from other contractors—and found that the work was completed as agreed, and that the invoice amount was not unreasonable within industry norms. The court also noted that Yocum had previously hired Wabash Valley for other projects without dispute.
On July 1, the court ruled in favor of Wabash Valley Construction, ordering Yocum to pay the remaining $1,671.18, a 15% late fee of $250.68, and court costs of $125.00, all due within 30 days.
Rep. Yocum represents House District 42, covering Vermillion and Parke counties, as well as parts of Clay, Fountain, and Vigo counties. He has not publicly commented on the court’s ruling.
