In an order released Friday, the state Supreme Court said it's looked at the complaints filed against Putnam County Family Court Judge William "Chip" Watkins, and the High Court ordered the Judicial Hearing Board to conduct further investigation into claims of official misconduct. Judge Watkins is currently facing seven charges that he allegedly violated the Judicial Code of Conduct and trial court rules. Watkins has allegedly verbally attacked people in his courtroom. Some of it has been caught on video. Friday's order says Supreme Court Justices Robin Davis and Margaret Workman voted to immediately suspend Judge Watkins without pay, but the three other justices, Menis Ketchum, Brent Benjamin and Thomas McHugh voted against the no-pay suspension. Judge Watkins continues to hear cases. Watkins' response filed Friday denied any wrong doing. He also demands a strict proof of the allegations.
