JUDGE ROBIN CARROLL: Suspension recommended. (South Arkansas Community College photo.)

The state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission has recommended that Circuit Judge Robin Carroll of El Dorado be suspended without pay for 60 days for multiple instances of ethical misconduct.

Advertisement

He has agreed to the recommended sanction, which is up to the Arkansas Supreme Court, rather than contest it.

The 18-page report from David Sachar, director of the commission, includes a finding of bias in handling cases involving a deputy sheriff that he told the sheriff should be fired. He announced in court he’d dismiss cases involving the deputy.

Advertisement

Another finding concerns Carroll’s attempt to exert improper influence over Game and Fish Commission cases. He tried to get cases dismissed that were filed against people he knew in other courts.

He also was faulted for lack of  “competence and diligence” for unclear docket entries. He also canceled court without proper notice, creating hardships for attorneys and defendants, sometimes brought by sheriffs from other counties.

Advertisement

The complaint lists a number of rule violations, with a particular discussion of his participation in cases from which he should have recused and abuse of office in attempting to influence the Game and Fish cases.

The report concludes Carroll had demonstrated a pattern of poor conduct and didn’t appear to acknowledge it until several months into the investigation. It said Carroll, with advice from his attorney, appears to have improved his conduct, including by recusing from the deputy’s cases.

Advertisement

Carroll was a private attorney for 10 years, a prosecuting attorney for six and \ a judge for nearly 10 years. The discipline agency said, by way of mitigation of penalties, that Carroll had acknowledged errors and that he also had faced health issues and family deaths in the last year. He has given up a criminal docket to avoid cases involving the deputy and taken on more civil cases. He has agreed to remedial measures, the complaint says.

The recommendation was for 90 days suspension, but with 30 days in abeyance if conditions are met. The punishment is worse than a censure but less than removal from office.

Advertisement

The judge is restricted in what he may say about the case, he will be subject to attendance checks and he must attend classes on ethics and court management.

The judge’s circuit covers Calhoun, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Ouachita and Union counties. He was re-elected to a six-year term in 2020.

Advertisement

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Calling the roll on bribery scandal: At least 20 have paid a price for corruption Next article COVID today: 17 more deaths