Embattled Kentucky judge agrees to temporary suspension

Published April 18, 2016

A black judge in Kentucky has agreed to a temporary suspension while he fights misconduct charges stemming from a series of racially charged public comments.

The charges against Jefferson County Circuit Judge Olu Stevens largely stem from his feud with Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas Wine, who is white. Stevens posted comments online suggesting Wine is a racist who wants "all-white juries" after Wine questioned his legal authority to dismiss a properly impaneled jury for lacking minorities.

Steve Wolnitzek, chairman of the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, said Friday that Steven has agreed to a temporary paid suspension, effective Monday, pending a final hearing.

Stevens' attorney, Larry Wilder, says the judge decided it was in the best interest of "all of the parties and the community" to temporarily step down from the bench.

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