L.T. Simes, II
L.T. Simes, II was a judge of the First Circuit Court in Phillips County, Arkansas. He was elected to this position in 1996 and took office on January 1, 1997. He served until November 9, 2009, when he was suspended through the end of his term on December 31, 2010 (see story below). He was re-elected and returned to the bench in 2011.[1] Simes served until his death from complications of leukemia on October 10, 2015.[2]
Education
Simes received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Ouachita Baptist University and his J.D. from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.[3]
Career
Simes spent 21 years as a private practice attorney in Arkansas prior to his election to the circuit court in 1996. He also served on the West Helena City Council for ten years, was a member of the Arkansas Soil and Water Commission, and spent ten years as a municipal judge in Lakeview.[3]
Awards and associations
- Owner, Delta Force II Radio Network
- Founder, Educational Athletic Boys Club
- Member, Second Baptist Church in West Helena[3]
Noteworthy cases
Murderer released for 10 days, skips court
On August 12, 2013, Anthony Millbrooks pleaded guilty to murder. Judge Simes released the defendant from jail and told him to return in 10 days for sentencing.[4] However, Millbrooks didn't return. After a week-long manhunt which included broadcasted messages by the sheriff's office threatening anyone who helped the fugitive, Millbrooks turned himself in on August 29.[5]
St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May was upset by Simes' decision to release Millbrooks, stating:
| “ | It's just something I've never heard of. It's brand new to me and I've been a sheriff for 26 years. I mean, this guy's a killer. Things like that shouldn't happen. It's one of those unbelievable moments. We did not agree at all.[6][7] | ” |
Regarding his decision, Simes stated:
| “ | There was a lot of conversation about it, and I decided to release him. I did not think it would be a problem. It was a judgement call that I made.[8][7] | ” |
Simes subsequently said he would not have made the same decision again.[9]
Noteworthy events
Suspension
Simes was suspended without pay by the Arkansas Supreme Court on November 5, 2009. The suspension was through December 31, 2010, which was the end of his term. The decision came from a recommendation by a panel from the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission because Simes continued to work as a lawyer after he became a judge. The panel sought to have him permanently barred from judicial office, but the Supreme Court rejected that recommendation. Simes returned to the bench in 2011 after winning re-election in 2010.[10][11]
Disciplinary commission seeks removal for the second time
In July of 2010, a panel of the disciplinary commission brought charges against Simes again. He was accused of 1) improperly pressuring the mayor of West Helena to reinstate a police chief who had been fired and 2) having improper communications with a lawyer in a pending case.[12] In response to the allegation, Simes filed a civil-rights action against the disciplinary commission for violating his 14th Amendment rights. The commission again called for Simes' removal.[13] However, on May 5, 2011, the Supreme Court decided that Simes had not acted in bad faith and gave him a reprimand.[14][15][16]
2010 election
Simes was re-elected to the seat on the Phillips County Circuit Court from which he was suspended in 2010.[17][18]
See also
External links
- Arkansas Judiciary: Hon. L.T. Simes
- Stamford Advocate, "Ark Supreme Court reprimands judge, rejects firing," May 5, 2011
Footnotes
- ↑ First Circuit Administrative Plans
- ↑ ArkansasOnline, "Circuit Judge L.T. Simes dies at 65," October 12, 2015
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Justice for Judge Simes, "Biography of Judge Simes"
- ↑ Times Herald, "Millbrooks sentenced; parole eligible soon," August 30, 2013
- ↑ New York Daily News, "Arkansas killer released by judge for a 10-day break arrested after weeklong manhunt," August 29, 2013
- ↑ ABC Local: KAIT 8, "Sentencing date set for murder fugitive," August 30, 2013
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Killer fails to show for sentencing; sheriff calls Judge Simes' release of defendant 'idiotic'," August 23, 2013
- ↑ KAIT8, "Judge speaks out about Anthony Millbrooks decision," August 30, 2013
- ↑ Associated Press "Ark. Supreme Court Suspends Circuit Judge," November 6, 2009
- ↑ PRLOG, "Arkansas Circuit Court Judge L.T. Simes II Swearing In Ceremony," December 28, 2010
- ↑ Arkansas Commission on Judicial Discipline and Disability, "In the Matter of L.T. Simes," September 27, 2010
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Panel again seeks Simes' removal," September 28, 2010
- ↑ CBS Local: THV 11, "Judge Simes claims commission violated his rights," July 25, 2010
- ↑ Arkansas Times, "Judge L.T. Simes dodges removal again," May 5, 2011
- ↑ Supreme Court of Arkansas, "Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission v. Honorable L.T. Simes," May 5, 2011
- ↑ Arkansas News "Elliott files to run for Congress; Ross draws opposition in 4th District," March 3, 2010
- ↑ "Comments on Judicial panel opens hearing on Judge L.T. Sims II"
Federal courts:
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas
State courts:
Arkansas Supreme Court • Arkansas Court of Appeals • Arkansas Circuit Courts • Arkansas District Courts • Arkansas City Courts
State resources:
Courts in Arkansas • Arkansas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Arkansas
