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 amid scandal

A south Georgia judge accused of misconduct says he will resign. Clinch County Superior Court Judge Brooks E. Blitch III faced charges he oversaw thousands of dollars in illegal payments to county employees and ordered the early release of convicted felons. The 73-year-old says on June 30th he will resign and not seek re-election after nearly 28 years on the bench.

Judge faces ethics hearing

Superior Court Judge Brooks E. Blitch of southeast Georgia's Clinch County will face a hearing on charges of ethical misconduct by the state agency that has the power to remove Georgia judges from office. Court papers accuse Blitch of ordering thousands of dollars in illegal payments to several county employees, as well as improperly ordering the early release of six imprisoned felons. The 72-year-old Blitch is one of the most powerful politicians in rural Clinch County, where he has presided as a judge since 1980.