Outside judge to hear Hardin case

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
By Brian Mosely

A judge from outside Bedford County will hear the case against a judicial commissioner who is facing several charges.

Billy Hardin will appear June 6 for a preliminary hearing on charges of official misconduct, sexual battery and soliciting prostitution.

According to Assistant District Attorney William Bottoms, the state administrator of courts has asked Judge Andy Myers of Lincoln County to hear the case.

Hardin was suspended without pay last month pending outcome of the case, in which he allegedly offered $25 for oral sex to a woman who was consulting him about warrants she had filed.

The administrator of courts steps in whenever a judge has a possible conflict of interest in a case. All judicial commissioners in the state are under control of the court system and essentially work for judges.

A judicial commissioner's job is to hear allegations and determine whether or not charges should be filed. He also makes decisions such as bond amounts.

Hardin appeared briefly in General Sessions Court Tuesday. He is represented by attorney John Norton.

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The judge's name is Andy Myrick...not Myers.

-- Posted by jtjustice30 on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 12:48 PM