Arkansas Judicial Panel Opens Hearing on Judge

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An east Arkansas judge facing ethics charges is defending his decision to sanction the mayor of Helena-West Helena and his attorney.

Judge L.T. Simes (SIMS) testified Wednesday afternoon before the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission on charges that he violated judicial rules. Simes faces allegations that he improperly pressured the Helena-West Helena mayor to reinstate a fired police chief.

Simes is currently suspended without pay after the Arkansas Supreme Court found he violated judicial rules by practicing law while he was a judge. He was unopposed for re-election in May and will resume his post in January when his suspension ends.

The hearing began Wednesday despite Simes' attempt in federal court to block the proceedings. Attorneys for the commission say they expect the hearing to only last a day.