Alabama Bar Suspends Former Judge’s Law License

Alabama Mobile BREAKING NEWS The Alabama Bar Association has suspended the law license of a former judge accused of trading sexual favors for leniency.

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Mon, March 30, 2009 - 2:51 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, March 30, 2009 - 4:23 pm CST

BREAKING NEWS

The Alabama Bar Association has suspended the law license of a former Mobile County circuit court judge for his alleged actions while serving on the bench.

Herman Thomas, who was indicted last week by a Mobile County grand jury, is accused of receiving sexual favors from Mobile Metro jail inmates in exchange for leniency in court.

Tony McClain of the Alabama State Bar tells News Five the organization's disciplinary commission made the decision this afternoon to suspend Thomas' license.

According to the two page order, evidence subitted to the organization "establishes probable cause to believe that Herman Young Thomas has engaged in improper sexual conduct with criminal defendants in violations of the law and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct."

Thomas is charged with 57 counts of kidnapping, sodomy, sexual abuse, extortion and ethics violations, but he could aslo face federal charges.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed Monday the federal agency is investigating possible violations under the Color of Law statute.

Angela Tobin says the FBI has been conducting a joint investigation with local law enforcement agencies but could not comment on when charges would be filed.

Thomas resigned from the bench in October 2007 when the allegations first surfaced. He was booked Friday in Mobile Metro jail, but quickly posted bond. His first court appearance has not been scheduled, according to the court clerk.

A hearing on the suspension of Thomas' law license will be scheduled within seven days of his request. To read the order for yourself click HERE.

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BamaBob Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 3:36 pm

”...right-wing Republicans have gotten rid of him?”

What Republican is Clark talking about? Tyson the Democrat? Sam Jones the Democrat?

Just who are these right-wing Republicans going after Herman? lol

Citronellemomma Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:47 pm

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/31/inmate.sex/index.html

Citronellemomma Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Pretty sad that this is on CNN.com also!!!

MeAmerican Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:25 am

Hmmm, Wasn’t it Tyson who also went after Tillman?

BamaBob Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:21 am

Would Tyson go after a judge, if he didn’t feel like there was a strong case? Would a judge step down from the bench, if he was confident no one had anything on him?

I remember right after he pulled that stunt with his cousin he came out and practically begged for others to investigate him. Well, it didn’t take long for him to be packing boxes and leaving the court room after that request.

Smoke, fire, smoke, fire….....

glowham Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:10 am

I talk to my son all the time..He is doing very well now. But he needed what he was dealt to get him off the drugs and off the streets. He now is clean works a Full time job and is going to school for youth ministry.

rosepetal Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 10:26 am

glowham, maybe you should talk to your son more. we still do not know all the details. when they go afer a judge that is something.

glowham Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 10:20 am

My son has been in/out of the court system since he was 13 dealing first with Strickland then with Metro. Judge Thomas being his Judge 80% of the time. Herman Thomas was stuck more to the guidelines of the law then the others did. He not one time swayed in our favor even though we were friends since my son was in the 1st grade. He should have been sent to prison a couple of times before Herman Thomas finally did so. It broke me..and he knew it and could not even look at me that day. But that was the tough love I needed to show him and Judge Herman Thomas knew it. I thank God for him every day. If it was not for him my son would have ended up six foot under. Remember who is telling the agents and officers all of these allegations. Convicts and jail house snitches. I know them all to well, my son was one for a very long time. They will do anything to get out, say anything as long as someone is listening.. But eventually the truth will come out.. God does’nt like Ugly

rosepetal Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 10:13 am

bamabob, that atlanta nut killed a judge a sheriff, a clerk, and a ice agent. he attacked several others.

rosepetal Says:

Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 10:10 am

i think the fbi stated they had been working on it for a year and a half . the atlanta judge was killed in 2005. i just think more people had to have known about this besides the inmates. i could be wrong.

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