Friday, August 2, 2002
|
Friday, August 2, 2002 |
|
PTC Mayor, NAACP want answers about magistrate accused of using racial slurs By JOHN
MUNFORD
Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown has joined the chorus of those seeking answers about the status of a local magistrate accused of using racial slurs while performing his duties. The Fayette County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is also inquiring about the status of the investigation against chief Fayette Magistrate Judge A.K. Melear. Melear is accused of using the racial slurs and inquiring about the race of suspects when police officers sought his approval for various arrest warrants. The charges were lodged by fellow Fayette magistrate judge Joe Tinsley back in March with the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission. Melear has previously declined to comment on the allegations. "He either did it or he didn't," Brown said Saturday at a news conference held by the NAACP. "Why are we waiting? ... They should either be saying 'we found nothing' or initiate the court proceedings." The JQC will not confirm whether a complaint has been filed, but if any action is recommended against Melear, the documents will become a public record. Brown said the outcome of the inquiry could affect numerous criminal cases, meaning the matter should be resolved swiftly. "The longer he stays on his seat, the greater chance his cases may be continued and may put legitimate criminals on the street ... because of his influence," Brown said. Wanda Robins, president of the local branch of the NAACP, said the JQC has informed them it would not confirm whether a complaint against Judge Melear had been received. Robins also noted that Melear has chosen not to comment on the allegations. "Judge Melear has the opportunity to publicly defend himself," Robins said. The local NAACP wants to make sure the JQC is aware of its expectations and that if any wrongdoing is proven, that Melear be removed from office. "We take these charges very seriously," Robins said. "We will be watching closely to ensure that justice will prevail."
|
||