Georgia Superior Court judge William Lee retires amid investigation
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May 10, 2012
Georgia: Judge William F. Lee, Jr. of the Coweta Judicial Circuit entered retirement on May 1, 2012. Though he has stated that his retirement is due to age (he is currently 69) and extended length of service (37 years), there is something besides his judicial career which was ended by his retirement: an investigation by the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission.[1][2] An inquest was launched against Lee in regards to unethical meetings with attorneys and the self-assignment of improper cases.[1] With Lee's retirement the probe ends, and further investigation will not continue.
Lee is only one of seven Superior Court judges to step down amid similar investigations since 2010.[1] Though the reasons behind the investigations have varied, each of the following judges have left the bench during investigations by the Judicial Qualifications Commission; judges are listed in reverse chronological order of retirement: William Lee, Lynn Akely-Alderman, David E. Barrett, Amanda F. Williams, Kenneth Nix, Paschal English, and Ernest Woods.[1]
The Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission is now seeking nominations to fill the vacancy left by Lee. Nominations must be received by May 18, 2012.[3]
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