County Commission Will Ask For New Slate Of Candidates
posted October 9, 2008
Longtime Magistrate Bob Meeks on Thursday morning withdrew his application for re-appointment after several County Commission members said they had questions about whether he had violated a prohibition against practicing criminal law.
County Commissioner Larry Henry said he told Magistrate Meeks "if it was up to me I would withdraw my application." He said he did so after checking into his actions in a case in which a 23-month-old East Brainerd girl died of blunt force injuries. Magistrate Meeks is a longtime friend and attorney for the family of the girl and was at the hospital after the girl was brought there.
Commissioner Henry said the commission will now readvertise for new magistrate candidates.
There had been nine applicants for four positions, but two dropped out earlier.
Remaining candidates were incumbents Larry Ables, Yolanda Mitchell and Marty Lasley as well as Christine Mabe Scott, Warren J. Yemm II and Gordon Petty.
The current terms expire at the end of October.
The magistrates set bonds and sign warrants at the County Jail on nights, weekends and holidays.
Commissioner Henry said he interviewed the family of the girl who died as well as the investigators and the doctor. He said he was convinced that Magistrate Meeks had acted at the hospital in the capacity of an attorney in a criminal case and should withdraw.
Magistrate Meeks said earlier he had gone to the hospital at the family's request. He said he did not know her injuries were so serious, but thought it was related to an earlier fall she had.
The case has been ruled a homicide, though charges have not yet been filed.
Magistrate Meeks said he is a longtime friend of the step-father of the child. He said he has been representing him and the mother of the child in Juvenile Court in a case in which child support was sought from the father.
County Commission members, prior to getting word of the Meeks withdrawal, had discussed getting a ruling on his actions from a state judicial group or from the local General Sessions Court judges.
Magistrate Meeks at one time was chief magistrate.
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |