Watchdog Committee Probes Judicial Bribery Allegations
There are reports the Mississippi Judicial Performance Committee is investigating allegations that Hinds County Judge Bobby DeLaughter may have improperly shared a proposed ruling involving trial lawyer Dickie Scruggs.
Judge DeLaughter eventually ruled in Scruggs’ favor. Attorneys Ed Peters, Joey Langston and former State Auditor Steve Patterson pocketed 1 million dollars from Scruggs, according to Langston’s plea agreement. Clarksdale lawyer Charlie Merkel represents William Roberts Wilson, Jr. Scruggs, former law partner who sued him and lost this case. Merkel told WLBT News today, “if the judge is passing on ex parte information to one side without the others knowledge and talking about the case with someone working behind the scenes, that’s unethical. If the allegations of trying to influence the judge are true, it’s reprehensible.”
WLBT
1/29/8
Magnolia Tribune
