Gov. Holcomb announces two judicial appointments for Marion County

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced James K. Snyder and Tara Y. Melton have been appointed to the Marion County Superior Courts.

James Snyder has served as a Magistrate Judge, Criminal Division, in the Marion Co. Superior Court since 2015, primarily handling major felony criminal cases.  Immediately before being appointed a magistrate judge, Snyder served in the Marion County Public Defenders Office for eight years and spent a year in private practice.  Born and raised in Rushville, Indiana, Snyder has resided in Marion County since graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006.  He received his undergraduate degree from Franklin College in 2003.

Tara Melton has served as a Magistrate Judge, Family Relations Division since 2021.  Prior to being appointed a magistrate judge, Melton served as the Director of Mediation for Child Advocates, Inc.  She also served in the Marion Co. Public Defenders Office for six years and maintained a private practice before joining the public defenders’ office.  A transplant from Florida, Melton has resided in Marion County since 2006.  While practicing in Florida, Melton handled various family law cases.  Melton received her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 1994 and her undergraduate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1991.

Snyder and Melton will succeed Judges John Hanley and Mark Stoner, who are retiring at the end of the year.

Snyder and Melton will be sworn in as Judges on dates to be determined.