Video: Thompson Seeks Review of Removal From Office

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Click here to read opposition to appeal:

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — A Lee County Justice Court judge appeals a decision to kick him off the bench.

Lee County Justice Court Judge Rickey Thompson filed a motion Thursday afternoon asking the Mississippi Supreme Court to rehear his case. Today was the deadline for Thompson to appeal the May 21 decision.

If he had not appealed, he would be forced out June 11.

That ruling was recommended by the State Commission on Judicial Performance.

That committee previously disciplined Thompson in 2008 and 2012 and said this time the judge improperly ran drug court, violated people’s right to an attorney, and used his office to promote a bail bondsman.

In his appeal, Thompson says his actions did not rise to the standard of “willful misconduct” required for removal. The performance commission immediately opposed the appeal.

It’s unclear when the Supreme Court will consider Thompson’s request. The appeal also means Thompson can remain on the August Democratic primary ballot for re-election.

If the high court takes more than two weeks, it will delay the printing of ballots for the Aug. 4 Democratic primary.

Thompson is currently one of seven candidates qualified to run for Justice Court Judge District 4. If he is removed from office, state law says can never be a judge again and his name will be removed from the ballot.