Opinion ID: 1698885
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Lack of Integrity and Candor

Text: ¶ 25. These allegations primarily concern Willard's conduct throughout the Commission's investigatory process. One week before the hearing, Willard approached a deputy sheriff and asked him to fix a ticket for someone. It should be noted that Willard argued this testimony was prejudicial and should not have been included in the Commission's findings. Willard argues the use of this testimony reflects bias on the part of the Commission, its three-judge panel, Executive Director and counsel. Also, on at least two occasions very close to the panel hearing, Willard contacted a local police chief regarding the testimony he would be giving before the panel. ¶ 26. During the proceedings, Willard demonstrated disdain for the process through such acts as openly displaying a tape recorder during witness testimony, producing and displaying a knife during witness testimony and attempting to send messages to some members of the Commission panel by facsimile. Willard argues the Commission displays bias by even including these instances in its brief to the Court. Willard claims he did not know that recording devices were not allowed during the hearing and that knives were not allowed in the courtroom. ¶ 27. In his testimony, Willard regularly excused his conduct due to inexperience. However, this Court has noted [w]hen a person assumes the office of Justice Court Judge in this State he or she accepts the responsibility of becoming learned in the law. In re Bailey, 541 So.2d at 1039. Willard also excused his mistakes on the basis that he did not have access to the Mississippi Code. On cross-examination, however, Willard admitted that he had access to the Code by computer. ¶ 28. Willard attempted to blame his numerous ex parte communications on the justice court clerks, alleging that the clerks had given out his phone number to numerous litigants. Willard testified that his number was not listed in the telephone directory. In contradiction of his testimony, two directories were placed into evidence. One directory was for the Vicksburg, Mississippi area and one was for Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Both directories listed Ellis Willard as Justice Court Judge and included his telephone number. ¶ 29. In counts 3, 13, 14, 18 and 20, the Commission also concluded that Willard concocted and fabricated evidence. For example, Willard introduced into evidence a docket page which had been altered (count 13). ¶ 30. The Commission concluded Willard's testimony was tantamount to perjury concerning the dismissal of the DUI charge in count 3. On the first day of testimony, Willard testified the dismissal was due to the failure of the officer to follow proper procedure. He later testified the dismissal was the result of the officer signing an officer's release. Willard's testimony on the eighth day of trial was that there had been a full trial and that the defendant was acquitted. Not only did Willard contradict himself but his testimony was also contradicted by the county prosecutor, the clerk and the arresting officer. The Commission correctly concluded Willard's lack of candor constituted willful misconduct in violation of Section 177A of the Mississippi Constitution.