Marie Castetter has been appointed as the first female securities commissioner for newly elected Secretary of State, Republican Diego Morales.
INDIANAPOLIS — Former Hancock County Superior Court 1 judge Marie Castetter has been appointed by newly elected Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales to be his administration’s securities commissioner.
Castetter will be the first woman to serve in the role for the state. She previously served as a Hancock County judge following her appointment by Gov. Eric Holcomb. She has also served as a former chief deputy prosecutor in Hancock County and therefore brings a wealth of experience in managing elder law and high-profile, high-level criminal cases.
“I am honored to serve as securities commissioner and will ensure the Securities Division works to protect all Hoosiers,” Castetter said. “Throughout my legal career, I’ve been no stranger to breaking barriers, and I am proud to serve as Indiana’s first woman securities commissioner.”
As the securities commissioner, Castetter will lead the office’s efforts to ensure Hoosiers, including elderly and the most vulnerable populations in Indiana, don’t fall victim to fraud and that their investments are secure.
“Throughout the campaign, I expressed to Hoosiers the importance of the Securities Division,” Morales said in a press release. “Marie is the perfect fit to lead our efforts in protecting Hoosiers against fraudulent schemes and holding those accountable who choose to deal in criminal activity.”
Morales noted that, as a Gov. Holcomb appointee in 2019 to the bench in Hancock County, Castetter served with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
“I’m grateful she will work in this significant role in my administration,” Morales said.
In addition to serving as the chief deputy prosecutor in Hancock County overseeing a large staff, Castetter is currently working as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Marion County Prosecutor’s office.
“My experiences throughout my legal career, especially in protecting the elderly, make me passionate to elevate that work to the Secretary of State’s office,” Castetter said. “Diego Morales is committed to delivering the best services to Hoosiers in each of the office’s divisions and the importance he places on the Securities Division in those efforts shows his dedication to the people he serves.”
Bob Grand, who is serving as the chairman on the Morales transition team, noted Morales campaigned on creating a Secretary of State’s office that is transparent and grounded in hard work.
“The hiring of Castetter shows Morales is committed to living up to his promises,” Grand said. “As a Gov. Holcomb appointee, she served the people of Hancock County honorably as a Superior Court judge.”
Grand noted Castetter’s long experience as an attorney and prosecutor will provide strong leadership and vision to the Securities Division.
The Secretary of State by statute appoints a securities commissioner who is responsible for the direction and supervision of the division and administration of the Indiana Securities Act under the direction and control of Secretary of State Morales. Castetter noted she is looking forward to working with attorneys, investigators, accountants and others in furtherance of Morales’ plans.
“Part of my responsibilities will be education initiatives on securities fraud,” she said. “Educating the public will empower them to be more aware of potential fraudulent investments in securities and prevent the financial exploitation at the onset.”
However, Castetter noted some investigations we will forward on to local prosecutors for potential charges and she’ll assist in those prosecutions as needed.
“Having worked with the Secretary of State’s Office as a deputy prosecutor handling cases they have referred, I can use that experience and work with investigators to present for criminal charges,” Castetter said.
