UPDATE: 3/18/2013 11:28 a.m.
GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL)--A state court judge is publicly reprimanded and suspended from judicial office for a period of 60 days without pay. Superior Court Judge Ronnie Joe Lane from the Pataula Judicial Circuit ordered J. William Bass, Sr. remain on probation for the remainder of his term in office and that he not seek re-election.
Bass was charged with 11 counts of judicial misconduct in 2012 including trying an empty chair in the absence of a defendant and also campaigning on the bench.
March 17, 2013 7:23 p.m.
CAIRO, Ga. (WTXL)--A state court judge is scheduled to receive a public reprimand Monday in Grady County.
William Bass Sr. was charged with 11 counts of judicial misconduct in 2012. Last week in Marietta the State Judicial Qualifications Commission held a trial.
A settlement was reached. Members of the commission say Bass agreed to a two month suspension and to not run for office when his term expires. We're told the public reprimand will take place at the Grady County courthouse at nine a.m.
