How To Avoid (Being A) Probate (Judge)

An agreed public reprimand has been imposed by the South Carolina Supreme Court on a probate judge who has resigned

Two complaints against respondent relate to him calling court personnel “heifers” and “DW” (double wide). Respondent admits making the inappropriate and unprofessional comments, but maintains he was joking when the comments were made. The Agreement also references “pranks and jokes” respondent instigated and participated in during working hours and which he admits were unprofessional and discourteous. However, no details are provided regarding the “pranks and jokes” and it is not clear if this is simply a further reference to the inappropriate comments.

A second complaint stems from respondent using the probate court account for personal financial dealings. Respondent admits he had repairs done to his roof and received two checks from his insurance company to cover the cost. Because respondent’s ex-wife’s name remained on the deed, the insurance checks were made out to both respondent and his ex-wife. The ex-wife is a former associate probate judge who previously worked for respondent, but lived in Ohio at the time of these events. Respondent asked his stepson to secure the ex-wife’s signature on the checks, which he did. When the bank would not accept the checks for deposit, the stepson took the checks to respondent who, in turn, deposited them in the probate court account and wrote a check from that account to the stepson in the amount of the insurance proceeds. The stepson did not use the funds to pay the roofing company and, instead, used the money for his own benefit. Respondent learned of the stepson’s actions upon being served with a summons and complaint by the roofing company. Respondent has filed suit against his stepson to recover the money.

He had a prior record of two letters of caution and a confidential admonition. (Mike Frisch)