CL – DeLaughter booted for good

CL – DeLaughter booted for good

The Mississippi Supreme Court has permanently removed former Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter, ensuring he can never again seek judicial office in Mississippi.

In July, DeLaughter pleaded guilty in federal court to obstruction of justice for lying to an FBI agent investigating disbarred attorney Dickie Scruggs. He then resigned his judgeship.

But before he pleaded guilty, DeLaughter was placed on interim suspension by the Commission on Judicial Performance because of two complaints filed against him.

Thursday’s 7-2 ruling is the result of the commission’s attempt to remove the suspension following DeLaughter’s plea. It had agreed to do so in exchange for DeLaughter’s guilty plea.

Clarion-Ledger
3/5/10