FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Voters in Allen County will decide who fills the vacant Criminal Division No. 5 seat on the Allen Superior Court this November. Candidate Samuel Keirns, a longtime public‑service professional, spent the interview on Fort Wayne’s Morning News detailing his 28‑year record in the local criminal‑justice system and his vision for the bench.
Decades of Experience on the Front Lines
Keirns began his career as a probation officer before becoming a deputy prosecutor in the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office. For the past 15 years he has served as a magistrate in the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division, handling initial hearings, bail hearings, trial scheduling, guilty pleas, sentencing matters and community‑corrections violations. He also presides over Allen County’s re‑entry court program, a certified problem‑solving court that meets on Monday afternoons.
Why the Bench Is the Next Logical Step
“I have consistently worked my way up through the criminal‑justice system,” Keirns said, describing the judicial position as a natural progression. He emphasized that his courtroom experience gives him a practical understanding of public safety and the responsibility that comes with judicial authority.
Approach to Potential Changes
When asked whether he would make immediate changes if elected, Keirns said he would first evaluate how the court operates rather than alter procedures for their own sake. He noted he would look for opportunities to improve efficiency where needed, always keeping the community’s safety and fairness at the forefront.
Public Question No. 1: Proposed Bail Amendment
The interview spent considerable time on Public Question No. 1, a proposed amendment to the Indiana Constitution that would allow judges to deny bail in additional circumstances if prosecutors meet two evidentiary requirements. Keirns declined to endorse or oppose the amendment, explaining that judicial officers should refrain from commenting on pending legislation.
He outlined how the amendment would work: prosecutors must first present evidence that is “evident or the presumption strong,” and then the state must prove by clear‑and‑convincing evidence that no reasonable bail conditions could protect a specific person or the community. Keirns stressed that the amendment would not give judges unchecked power to hold someone without bail; the accused would retain due‑process protections and the right to legal representation to challenge the state’s arguments.
Personal Background and Community Roots
Keirns credited his upbringing for shaping his values. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School through eighth grade, graduated from South Side High School, earned academic scholarships to Indiana University‑Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW), and received a full scholarship to law school. He worked full‑time as a probation officer while attending law school on weekends.
In addition to his judicial duties, Keirns serves as an adjunct professor at Purdue Fort Wayne, teaching students about the criminal‑court system. He is also a father of twin 10‑year‑old daughters, a detail he says underscores his commitment to families and community safety.
How Voters Can Learn More
Keirns encourages voters to review his campaign materials, which are available on the “Samuel Keirns for Superior Court Judge” Facebook page. He also provided a campaign email address ([email protected]) for further inquiries. Election Day is November 3, with early voting already underway throughout Indiana.
With three candidates—Keirns, Rick Treviño and Christina Gull—seeking the seat, the race offers Allen County voters a clear choice among experienced public‑service professionals. Keirns’ emphasis on experience, procedural prudence and community values positions his candidacy as a strong option for those who prioritize public safety and judicial integrity.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
