Jefferson

Jefferson County Judge Calls for Resolution amid Budget Stalemate and Allegations of Financial Misconduct

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Pine Bluff, Arkansas — Tensions are high in Jefferson County as officials grapple with a budget impasse that has yet to be resolved for the year 2025. County Judge Gerald Robinson has publicly addressed the severity of the situation, urging stakeholders to finalize decisions as the Quorum Court meets this Monday evening. The absence of an approved budget has stalled governmental functions and heightened concerns among local citizens and county employees. Robinson’s recent statement highlighted his disapproval of the initially proposed budget by seven justices, which he had vetoed. The budget includes contentious raises for … Read more

Marathon Court Session Unravels as Jefferson County Judge Sues Quorum Court Over Procedural Disputes

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PINE BLUFF, Ark. — In an extensive legal battle in Pine Bluff, a nearly 10-hour testimony unfolded on Thursday before Special Judge Randy Wright in the Second Division of the 11th West Circuit Court. The case involves County Judge Gerald Robinson suing the entire Quorum Court of Jefferson County, alleging that the governing body has been operating illegally without an updated procedural ordinance since January 2023. Robinson’s lawsuit, part of a series initiated since 2022 against justices of the peace or other elected officials, claims malpractice over the Quorum Court operating under an outdated 2021 … Read more

Jefferson County Judge and Four Others File Defamation Suit Over Alleged Libelous Claims by Local Official

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In Jefferson County, Arkansas, a recent lawsuit has ignited tensions within the local government. On November 15, Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson, alongside four other individuals, filed a defamation lawsuit against Justice of Peace Lloyd Franklin Jr. The legal action stems from a letter alleging corruption and misconduct, which Franklin addressed to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on July 8. Joining Judge Robinson in the lawsuit are Robert Daniels, a Jefferson County resident; Joni Alexander Robinson, President of the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce; Ricky Bullard, Road Superintendent for Jefferson County; and Dee Brown, … Read more

Jefferson County to Elect New Circuit Court Judge on Nov. 5; Bolling and Roy Contest for Critical Seat

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Birmingham, AL – Voters in Jefferson County will head to the polls on November 5 to choose a new Circuit Court Judge for the Place 13 seat, marking an important judicial transition as the current officeholder prepares for retirement. The election pits Democrat Frederic A. Bolling against Republican Douglas M. Roy Jr. in a competition to manage civil legal matters for the county. The seat up for grabs is currently held by Judge Carole Smitherman, who announced her plan to retire in January, prompting this year’s race to find her successor. The victor of the … Read more