Twiggs County Judge Accused of Judicial Misconduct

State officials have filed formal charges against a Twiggs County Judge accusing him of judicial misconduct. Probate Judge Kenneth Fowler has been under investigation since 2008. The Commission on Judicial Qualification's alleges he violated his oath of office several times.

Some of the things he is accused of doing include, using unqualified interpreters for Spanish-speaking defendants. He's also accused of finding people guilty without using proper judicial standards. And, apparently he charged court costs that were higher than the law allows. The Commission's Cheryl Fisher-Custer says the charges are significant.

"Any point when the Commission has filed formal charges against a judge then i think you can characterize it as being a serious situation."

Fowler has thirty days to respond. After that he will have a formal hearing and trial in front of the commission. They will make a recommendation to the Georgia Supreme Court. During this time he will continue to serve as the probate judge in Twiggs County. He declined to comment on the allegation's.