On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, NEA Report published an article detailing a motion filed by the Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Sonia F. Hagood, requesting the recusal of Circuit Judge Doug Brimhall from several civil cases. The motion, filed Tuesday in a Crittenden County property forfeiture case (18CV-24-1200), seeks Brimhall’s removal not only from this specific case but also from all future cases involving the prosecutor’s office, its staff, victims, or officers investigating cases prosecuted by the office.

The basis for the recusal request centers on Judge Brimhall’s 2024 arrest and subsequent public discussion surrounding his fitness for the bench. Prosecutor Hagood publicly voiced concerns about Brimhall’s conduct, leading to increased public scrutiny. In an interview with NEA Report, Brimhall acknowledged the criticism and defended his qualifications. Hagood’s motion argues that Brimhall’s actions in defending himself against these accusations have irrevocably compromised his ability to remain impartial in cases involving the prosecutor’s office or related parties, preventing victims from receiving fair hearings.

The motion cites Rule 2.11(A), which mandates a judge’s disqualification if their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Hagood contends that Brimhall’s current situation, including serving a criminal justice sentence, creates a conflict of interest. She further warns that any future violation of his sentence’s conditions would necessitate further legal action from her office, potentially including the appointment of a special prosecutor. The specific cases targeted for recusal include asset forfeiture cases filed by the prosecutor’s office, civil commitment cases, and juvenile bond hearings. The motion concludes by requesting a hearing if the recusal is denied.

The property forfeiture case at the heart of the motion originates from a criminal case involving Jiemei Lin. On October 17, 2024, Arkansas State Police stopped Lin’s vehicle, finding $9,541 in cash but no illegal substances. However, given Lin’s prior arrest in November 2023 for possessing approximately 160 pounds of marijuana and evidence suggesting she purchased from grow houses in 2024, prosecutors argue the seized money is forfeitable under Arkansas law.

 

 

Source: NEA Report