JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Lee County Justice Court Judge Rickey Thompson has been removed from office by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Thompson, a justice court judge since 2004, has until June 4 to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider. If he does not ask for a rehearing, the removal will become effective June 11.
A formal complaint against Thompson was filed with the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance in November 2013. The commission eventually determined Thompson engaged in judicial misconduct in several areas between June 2012 and October 2013.
Seven candidates, including Thompson, have qualified to run for the judicial seat in this fall’s election.
The Commission for Judicial Performance recommended Thompson be removed for using his office to advance the private interest of others and over his handling of a drug court.
