Sanctions Sought Against Chancery Judge

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance is seeking sanctions against 1st District Chancery Judge Talmadge Littlejohn.

The commission alleges Littlejohn ordered someone jailed for non-payment of child support when the case had been appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

The man was arrested and held for three days in the Lee County jail before he was released.

The commission says Littlejohn’s order was filed after the appeal bond was filed which meant the case no longer rested with the chancery court.

The commission is recommending Littlejohn receive a public reprimand and a $500 fine.

The state Supreme Court has the final say on discipline for judges.

Three years ago, Littlejohn was given a public reprimand and fined $100 for putting an attorney in jail after the attorney refused to cite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of Littlejohn’s court.

The 1st Chancery District includes Alcorn, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Prentiss, Pontotoc, Tishomingo and Union counties.