FBI arrests former judge for corruption

FBI agents have arrested a former Superior Court judge in South Georgia's Clinch County on fraud, conspiracy and extortion charges. Former judge Brooks Blitch the Third was one of the most powerful politicians in rural Clinch County, near the Florida border. He was a judge for 28-years in the Alapaha Circuit until he resigned in May to avoid state judicial misconduct charges. Now, he's under arrest and on his way to a court in Macon, where he faces an initial appearance after being indicted in a wide-ranging corruption.

Also charged in the case are former state court judge Berrien Sutton, his wife, Lisa Sutton, and two-others, including an attorney. The charges stem from an investigation that revealed secret payments to local officials. Today's arrest is only the latest bad news for the Alapaha Circuit. In recent years, two-Sheriffs, a magistrate judge and a court clerk have pleaded guilty to or demanded their day in court to fight serious charges, not all of them related.

Judge resigns to end corruption probe

A south Georgia judge accused of misconduct will resign. State Court Judge Berrien Sutton of Clinch County will step down June 1st. Sutton is under investigation for allegedly appointing non-lawyers to hear criminal cases, pressuring another judge to help a business associate, and signing an illegal court order to collect court fees that were distributed to county officials. The state's case against him will close after he steps down.