On Saturday, August 10, 2024, FOX10 News reported that retired Mobile County Judge Charles Graddick has stopped hearing criminal cases due to a potential conflict of interest that could jeopardize prior convictions.

Presiding Judge Wesley Pipes confirmed that Graddick, who has been working on a part-time basis, recused himself after learning of a professional relationship with the Mobile Police Department. From January 2022 to May 2024, Graddick served as a legal consultant for the Mobile City’s Office of Professional Responsibility, which investigates complaints against city employees. According to Judge Pipes, this attorney-client relationship required Graddick to recuse from cases involving the police department.

Although Graddick may not have initially been aware, Judge Pipes stated that he should not have presided over criminal matters in the last two years that were investigated by MPD. In response, the court is contacting lawyers for defendants convicted during this time period by Graddick to notify them.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson acknowledged that the city hired Graddick in January 2022 to help develop policies for the Office of Professional Responsibility, which was newly created in 2021. During this period, Graddick took on cases to reduce backlogs caused by the pandemic and temporary absence of judges. However, his more recent work for the police oversight office created a conflict of interest for matters linked to MPD.

District Attorney’s office spokesperson Tara Zieman said they are aware of Graddick’s potential conflict and cannot confirm the number of cases impacted at this time. While different judges will be assigned, prosecutors stand ready to defend previous convictions against appeals. Mobile Public Defender Art Powell noted some of his office’s cases could be affected but did not speculate further.

This is not the first accusation of conflict against Graddick, who previously faced recusal demands due to work for the District Attorney’s office. His latest unexpected decision to step aside leaves open the possibility of criminal appeals over an undefined period.

 

 

Source: FOX10 News