Circuit Judge Bobby McCallister of Benton told the Arkansas Supreme Court today that he did not object to a request that he be suspended from the bench with pay while four felony charges pend against him for failing to file a state income tax return.

The state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission asked the Arkansas Supreme Court for the suspension Friday. McCallister filed a response today acknowledging both the criminal case and a separate disciplinary proceeding related to failure to file tax returns. He said there is good cause at “this stage in the proceeding to grant a temporary suspension with pay until completion of all pending disciplinary matters.”

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McCallister is paid $160,000 a year. Other judges in his district and special assignment judges will handle his caseload, which includes domestic and drug court cases.

The Supreme Court routinely approves such suspensions when judges are charged with crimes.

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UPDATE: At 4:16 p.m., the Supreme Court issued a brief, unsigned order suspending McCallister with pay until the criminal charges are resolved.

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