The Supreme Court of Georgia announced the disposition of judicial misconduct charges against Tony Brazier, Chief Judge of the Probate Court of Polk County, on Thursday, July 7, 2022. The case is styled as ‘In the Matter of Judge Tony Brazier’ with case number #2021-405.
The order reads:
“This matter originated before the Judicial Qualifications Commission’s (“JOC”) Investigative Panel (“Investigative Panel”) as a result of the above-referenced Complaint, which alleged violations of the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct on the part of Judge Tony Brazier, Chief Judge of the Probate Court of Polk County (“Judge Brazier’). After the Complaint was received, the Director conducted a review and determined that, if true, the allegations against Judge Brazier would constitute judicial misconduct. As such, a preliminary investigation was initiated to determine:
Whether Judge Brazier failed to properly supervise employees subject to his direction and control and their management of court funds, and thus violated Rules 1.1, 1.2 (A), 2.4 (B), 2.5 (A), and 2.5(B) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Whether Judge Brazier improperly employed unqualified individuals to assist with court-related tasks in the Probate Court of Polk County, and thus violated Rules 1.1, 1.2 (A), and 2.4 (B) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Whether Judge Brazier improperly utilized notary services in the Probate Court of Polk County, and thus violated Rules 1.1 and 1.2 (A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Whether Judge Brazier improperly issued marriage licenses to individuals, and thus violated Rules 1.1 and 1.2 (A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct; and whether Judge Brazier failed to regularly attend to his duties as Chief Judge of the Probate Court of Polk County, and thus violated Rules 1.2 (A), 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5 (A) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.”
The order goes on:
“During the course of the above investigation, Judge Brazier notified the Director that he would be resigning from his judicial office… Governor Kemp accepted Judge Brazier’s resignation on July 5, 2022.”
The order continues:
“In light of Judge Brazier’s resignation, the Investigative Panel and Judge Brazier have mutually agreed upon a disposition of Complaint No. 2021-405 pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-1-21(k)(1) and JQC Rule 11 (A), which is fully set forth in the attached Consent Agreement, dated July 7, 2022, and includes Judge Brazier’s agreement not to seek, request, or accept any elected or appointed judicial office in the future.”
The Judge’s courtroom address is 216 Main Street in Cedartown.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
