wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |Anti-drunk driving organization questions judge's reappointment

Anti-drunk driving organization questions judge's reappointment

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Gene Hartis Gene Hartis

By Jody Barr - bio | email

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving is speaking out over a move to reappoint the magistrate judge who presided over 700 unresolved DUI cases in Kershaw County.

After the backlog was uncovered, Senator Vincent Sheheen replaced Chief Magistrate Gene Hartis, but reassigned him as an associate judge. Now MADD and the governor's office are questioning the decision.

Hartis is trying to convince the governor's office he deserves reappointment. Hartis turned over the magistrate's office to Judge Rick Todd in May after the county's DUI case backlogs grew to 700 pending cases. Hartis now serves as an associate judge under Judge Todd.
     
"Just to sit there and let those cases accumulate is such an insult to law enforcement and to public safety in Kershaw County," said Laura Hudson of MADD, who sent the governor a letter asking her to deny Hartis' reappointment serving as an associate judge under Todd.

In May, the senators asked the governor's office to approve Hartis for another four-year term. A month later, in a letter to the senators, the governor's office expressed concerns over Hartis' record and WIS' investigation into the backlogged DUIs.

Hudson says Hartis' DUI backlog has cost Kershaw County more than a quarter-million dollars in uncollected fines. Hartis' oldest pending DUI case was made 10 years ago, a case that has been delayed at the request of defense attorney and state Senator Gerald Malloy.

"Then to turn around and reappoint somebody who's caused all that bullock in the system in Kershaw County, doesn't seem right to me," said Hudson. "He didn't bring in the money and now we're going to give him a salary, and that's just doesn't suit."

Senator Lourie never responded to WIS' request Tuesday for comment on the reappointment. Senator Sheheen declined to go on camera, issuing a statement instead. "At this point, I think our county is better served by continuing to make progress together than engaging in scapegoating or blame games," said Sheheen.

Laura Hudson says replacing Hartis isn't enough. "Surely there's someone else in that county that would be a better magistrate," said Hudson. "I don't think that's enough of a slap, I think he needs to retire."

Judge Hartis also declined to comment, but he did said all he wants is one more term. Governor Haley has not responded to our questions as to whether she'll approve his reappointment, which must be done before the senate holds confirmation hearings in January.

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