INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry is resigning for health reasons.
According to a statement from the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, Curry has been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer since 2015.
"Ending my time of service prior to the fulfillment of this third term was a very difficult decision," Curry said in a statement. "My medical condition has made it necessary that I scale back my professional commitments and focus on my health and family."
Curry is stepping down early in his third term. A Democrat, he was first elected in 2010, then re-elected in 2014 and 2018.
"Serving as Marion County Prosecutor has been the privilege of my professional life. It has been my honor to seek justice on behalf of those who are wronged in our community and to ensure that victims' rights are protected," Curry said. "In leading our office, I have always approached our responsibilities with fairness and respect, integrity and the highest ethical standards."
As prosecutor, Curry has been involved in many high-profile cases, including the 2012 Richmond Hill explosion, in which two people died in the southeast side Indianapolis neighborhood. Five people were convicted and sent to prison.
In 2013, former Indianapolis Police Officer David Bisard was convicted on nine drunk driving charges and sentenced to 16-years. Bisard was on duty in 2010 when he killed a motorcyclist while driving drunk. He served less than four years of the sentence.
As the Indianapolis murder rate has climbed in recent years, Curry has supported background checks for all gun purchases. "It is common sense. And it is the right thing to do," he said last month.
According to the city's website, Curry leads a team of nearly 400 people in the prosecutor's office.
According to state law, Chief Trial Deputy Ryan Mears will immediately assume the role of acting prosecutor. A caucus of Marion County Democratic Precinct Committee persons will be called within 30 days to elect an individual to complete the term through Dec. 31, 2022.
Prior to his being elected prosecutor, Curry was a deputy prosecutor for six years. He graduated from Butler University and the Indiana University School of Law.
As a young man, Curry spent two years as a newspaper reporter for the Indianapolis News and was in the Army for two years.
A wide variety of people have praised Curry's tenure, including the parents of IMPD Officer, David Moore. Moore was killed in the line of duty in 2011.
"I can't imagine going through something harder than the loss of a son," Moore's mother said. "Terry was — it didn't matter when, what I needed — he was always there."
The following statements were made to RTV6 following news of Curry's resignation:
Mayor Joe Hogsett
“Over the last forty years, Terry Curry has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for our city. Since being elected Marion County Prosecutor, he has worked to balance the responsibilities of his office with the needs of the community and I am grateful for his efforts.
I’ve always known Terry to be a strong competitor – whether on the court or in the courtroom -- and I believe this fight will be no different. My thoughts are with Terry, Anne, and the entire Curry family during this difficult time.”
Sen. Jim Merritt
“My thanks to Prosecutor Curry for his service and dedication. I join many others in prayer that his good health is restored. We all know this is a very challenging time for Indianapolis. The shooting incident this past weekend shows how far we have fallen and we cannot continue with business as usual. Mayor Hogsett will play a big role in the Democratic Party election of a new prosecutor. I strongly urge Mayor Hogsett to select an experienced prosecutor, perhaps someone already working in the prosecutor's office. Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Mears has been named acting prosecutor. He is very experienced; it is my hope that Joe Hogsett will put prosecutorial experience front and center as his party seeks to fill this critical position. Many thanks to Prosecutor Terry Curry for his service.”
The Lawrence Police Department
"The Lawrence Police Department extends our heartfelt gratitude to Marion Co Prosecutor Terry Curry for his career-long commitment of service to the citizens of Marion Co, the State of Indiana, and our great Nation.
During his tenure as the elected Prosecutor of Marion Co, Mr Curry was well-respected for his fairness & tireless advocacy for victims of crime. The relationship between the Marion Co Prosecutors Office & law enforcement agencies has never been better than during Mr Curry’s leadership.
While we are saddened to learn of his ongoing medical condition, we remain hopeful for swift restoration to Mr Curry’s good health. Our thoughts are with Mr Curry and his family as they walk along the pathway to recovery together.
We also have full faith and confidence in the continuing capable leadership at the Marion Co Prosecutors Office of Acting Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Mears, whose years of service as a Deputy Prosecutor, including Chief Trial Deputy, will serve him well."
Indiana Candidate for Governor Dr. Woody Myers
“Prosecutor Curry has served Marion County and the Democratic Party incredibly well over the years and now it is time for him to put himself and his health first. As a physician, I appreciate that he is sharing his struggle with prostate cancer publicly and hope that it will encourage others to get appropriate screenings for this disease. I’m thankful that he will continue his public service as a deputy prosecutor in the office and continue serving us all in this manner.”
