Griffin circuit Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr. of Thomaston has resigned his post, effective April 23.
UPDATE: There are reports emanating from Atlanta media sources that at least one investigator from the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission was at courthouses in the circuit today with regard to an investigation. Additionally, Caldwell has signed an agreement with the JQC to never seek office again."
GBI public affairs officer John Bankhead said Tuesday evening his office is not yet involved in any investigation into Judge Caldwell.
Pike sheriff Jimmy Thomas reported late Tuesday his office is not involved in any investigation involving Caldwell and a former county employee Caldwell sentenced for sexual battery just days ago.
Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr.
Can't wait to hear more on this story. He's another one that I have wondered about keeping his office so long.
Your credibilty is going to go if you take up for this sorry rascal. You think he wants to spend more time with his family? Caldwell??
Two words: judicial misconduct.
I personally know several he hit on. Nothing wrong? An adulterer?
Maybe I don't want to use my name because I'm afraid of the man. Just because he resigned doesn't mean he won't cause problems for anyone who goes against him. I've always been afraid to go against him.
1 - It shows me you know it to be true.
2 - It makes you more believable.
I've heard they're related.
WSB TV just reported. I think there is more to this than meets the eye.
www.fayettedailynews.com/article.php?id_news=5388
What do you think?
I assume that you point this out due to the "Sexual Battery" charge. You have to note that there was also an aggravated child molestation charge as well in that case. That was not the case in the mindi case.
If this is not what you were comparing, I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this report.
From "Street News Service":
http://www.streetnewsservice.org/index.php?page=archive_detail&articleID=4310
"And Henry Lee Lucas, the one-eyed serial killer who confessed to killing over 300 women (although since his death there is some doubt as to his guilt), despite having a male lover, was also swamped with female admirers. One of those, Phyllis Wilcox, was so desperately in love that she actually pretended to be one of his supposed victims in an effort to have him freed."
Or is the article incorrect?
She admitted to a sexual affair with a 15-year-old that spanned the period from December 1, 2008 to April 16, 2009.
She was sentenced to five years probation and fined $2000. She must also submit to mandatory sex therapy and register as a sex offender.
"You shouldn't be there - me or anybody else - with a cloud that you have done something unprofessional." "As a judge you are supposed to be upright and righteous at all times." "I admitted it. That's what you are supposed to do when you are wrong. That is the way I was brought up." The decision to step down was "gut-wrenching but part of what I was requested to do." "There are standards you should live by. You don't get to live by them one day and not the next."
If you were among those who rushed to defend and support him, you really need to assess your ability to evaluate the character of another. The stories of his minor misdeeds on the bench were truly the “tip of the iceberg”.
As we travel through the Fayetteville, Griffin, Thomaston, Zebulon areas let’s watch for those who have large immoveable grins on their faces. These will probably be lawyers who will be able to perform their craft without having to deal with the antics of “Little Johnnie”.
Also, listen for the sound of lips unlocking from the hind quarters of “Little Johnnie”. Those will be the lawyers who thought they could move through the system by giving “a Wink and a Nod” to the antics of “Little Johnnie”.
For those of us who rejoice in his demise, we need to assess our ability to speak out when we see malfeasance in the actions of a public official. The stories of his minor misdeeds on the bench were truly the “tip of the iceberg”.
As we travel through the Fayetteville, Griffin, Thomaston, Zebulon areas let’s watch for those who have a stunned look of awe frozen on our faces. We are the citizens who could have told true stories more than a quarter of a century ago that, if investigated, would have rid the region of him. There are many stories of the misdeeds “Little Johnnie” that go back to his District Attorney days and before.
We must pause and give him credit, where credit is due.
“Little Johnnie” admitted, once and for always, that he is a lying weasel.
May God have mercy on Johnnie L. Caldwell, Jr.
Unless you are involved in a case that he represents as an attorney, you will not have this problem. Just get a better attorney, in that case, I know one from Zebulon.
And to those lawyers who refused to do this, I say "Bravo". In the public courtroom, Caldwelll treated these lawyers with derision and disrespect,not professional,in my opinion.Who knows what Caldwell did "behind the scenes" to the careers of these attorneys!
Did you own a beauty salon in Griffin at one time?
Are you Penny's mom?
Were you--and your friends--in Johnnie Jr.'s circle in High School? Have you maintained contact as adults--or just at High School reunions? Life happens after High School!
As District Attorney, Jr. let a sexual predator and murderer, Edgar Fry, off with a 7 year sentence. There was an accomplice and witness--who allegedly filmed the murder. He reportedly "turned State's evidence" There was never a trial for Fry--just a closed hearing. The record was sealed.
Was Fry even required to register as a sex offender? Supposedly, these people cannot change. Where is he now--in Jacksonville, in St. Augustine? What is he doing? Is he still around young boys?
The murdered boy--his name was Clay Bagget--has been dead for many years. Fry has been out of jail for years and Johnnie Jr. moved on to "another phase of his career" as he was elected and re-elected judge.
Did you see the interview on Atlanta television where Jr. admitted to his indiscretions while judge?
You might want to be sure what is going before you champion Johnnie L. Caldwell, Jr.
""""""The Judicial Qualifications Commission, which looks into alleged misconduct by judges, already has just about the tiniest budget of any comparable agency in the country. For much of the last two years, it has made ends meet by simply not paying more than $120,000 owed to its investigator and private lawyers.
Now, the Georgia House proposes whacking the JQC’s budget by 36 percent to just $176,000. Alabama and Mississippi, with fewer than half as many judges, spent three to four times as much this year.
“This organization is effectively rendered impotent by those deep cuts,” said Chattahoochee Circuit Superior Court Judge John D. Allen, the commission’s vice chairman. “It would effectively deprive the public of the means of redressing any grievance they have regarding misconduct on the part of judges.” """"""
We should opposed this vigorously and oust any state rep who backs it. This is the good ole boy system at work right here.