Board…Judge Should Be Suspended

{Charleston, West Virginia}…The state Judicial Hearing Board says Putnam County family court Judge William Watkins III should be suspended without pay until his term ends in December 2016. During last week's hearing, Judge Watkins, who is in trouble for his courtroom outbursts, agreed to five recommended sanctions including counseling, being monitored and getting more training. But, the Judicial Hearing Board, which conducted the hearing, says that's not enough but instead Watkins should be censured on each of the 24 violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The complaints date as far back as 2008. The board says Watkins should also pay the cost for the investigation and prosecution of his case, which is about $18,000. Watkins and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel have 30 days to respond to the hearing board's order.