JUDGE RESIGNS AFTER ALA. INDICTMENT

CARROLLTON, ALA. -- A state judge arrested on methamphetamine charges
in Mississippi resigned after being indicted on similar charges in
Alabama, where authorities said they found the drug in his office.

Pickens County District Judge Ira Colvin said in a letter delivered
to the presiding judge in the west Alabama circuit, James Moore, that
he was stepping down for personal reasons."I regret any inconvenience
this may cause you. Thank you for your consideration," wrote Colvin.

Colvin quit on Monday, or two days after District Attorney Chris
McCool said a grand jury had indicted Colvin on charges of
methamphetamine possession after investigators discovered a small
amount of the drug in his office in Carrollton, located near the
Mississippi line.

Colvin was suspended from hearing cases after being arrested Aug. 14
in Columbus, Miss., and charged with possession of methamphetamine
and materials used to manufacture the drug. His wife was arrested in
the same town on meth charges in April.

McCool said Colvin's resignation was not part of any plea deal.

"It had nothing to do with the criminal case," McCool said. "It will
proceed as criminal cases proceed. It won't affect the outcome of the
criminal case.

"There have been no discussions whatsoever regarding the criminal case."