JUDICIAL GROUP: SUSPEND JUDGE PENDING DRUG PROBE

Watchdog Agency Says Drug Charges, Misconduct Complaint Should Be
Resolved

A judicial watchdog agency has proposed an interim suspension for
Lawrence County Justice Court Judge Bobby Fortenberry until drug
charges against him are settled.

Fortenberry, 46, of Newhebron, had 2.5 grams of crystal meth in his
possession when he was arrested March 26 on Mississippi 550 in
Brookhaven, according to Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Capt. Mike
Aldridge. Fortenberry is charged with possession of methamphetamine
with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine,
authorities said.

The Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance on Thursday asked
the state Supreme Court to suspend Fortenberry until the charges and a
complaint of misconduct are resolved.

In a letter to the commission, Fortenberry agreed to the interim
suspension but vowed to fight the charges.

"I once again assert my innocence of all charges against me,"
Fortenberry wrote. "It is my intention to mount a vigorous defense to
prove my innocence. Upon completion of a successful defense, I intend
to resume my duties as Justice Court judge."

Authorities said there is no evidence Fortenberry used his judgeship
to obtain or sell drugs.

Fortenberry's arrest does not disqualify him from office.

Fortenberry works as a technician at Packard Electric in Lincoln
County.

"To the people of Lawrence County and my fellow Justice Court judges
around the state, I want you to know that I agree to this suspension
in order to ensure that the integrity of the judicial system cannot be
attacked."