Thompson Says Proposed Penalty Too Harsh

LEE COUNTY, Miss. ( WCBI) — He admits he made some mistakes but he thinks a lifetime ban from the judgeship is too harsh.

In September, the state Commission on Judicial Performance said Lee County Justice Court Judge Rickey Thompson should be removed from office and pay $11,000 in penalties. It said he improperly ran drug court, violated people’s right to an attorney of their choice, and used his office to promote a bail bondsman.

Wednesday, his attorney, Lisa Ross of Jackson, admitted Thompson has violated some rules but asked the state Supreme Court to hear oral arguments that the recommended lifetime ban is too harsh.

Thompson has been reprimanded and suspended twice since 2008 for previous infractions.