Matter of Smith

663 S.E.2d 37, 378 S.C. 412, 2008 S.C. LEXIS 180

Opinion

ORDER

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel has filed a petition asking the Court to place respondent on interim suspension pursuant to Rule 17(a) and Rule 17(b) of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 502, SCACR.

IT IS ORDERED that the petition is granted and respondent is placed on interim suspension. Anderson County is under no obligation to pay respondent his salary during the suspension. See In the Matter of Ferguson, 304 S.C. 216, 403 S.E.2d 628 (1991). Respondent is directed to immediately deliver all books, records, funds, property, and documents relating to his judicial office to the Chief Magistrate of Anderson County. He is enjoined from access to any monies, bank accounts, and records related to his judicial office.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent is prohibited from entering the premises of the magistrate court unless escorted by a law enforcement officer after authorization from the Chief Magistrate of Anderson County. Finally, respondent is prohibited from having access to, destroying, or canceling any public records and he is prohibited from access to any judicial databases or case management systems.

This Order, when served on any bank or other financial institution maintaining any judicial accounts of respondent, shall serve as notice to the institution that respondent is enjoined from making withdrawals from the accounts.

II IS SO ORDERED.

/s/ Jean H. Toal, C.J. FOR THE COURT