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W.Va. Judge Accused Of Misconduct Seeks Disability
By: Associated Press
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A Putnam County Family Court judge accused of judicial misconduct has lost a bid to delay disciplinary proceedings against him.
The state Supreme Court denied Family Court Judge William Watkins' request on Thursday. The justices will hear Watkins' case Feb. 5.
Watkins' lawyer, Robert Martin, filed a motion earlier this week asking the court to delay the proceedings. Martin said Watkins has filed for disability and plans to retire.
The state Judicial Investigation Commission alleges that Watkins delayed rulings, failed to enter domestic violence orders into the state's tracking system and screamed and cursed at litigants.
The Judicial Hearing Board recommended that Watkins be suspended without pay until his term ends on Dec. 31, 2016.