Opinion ID: 1735129
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the roe complaint

Text: ¶ 33. Rhonda Roe's claims are set out above by the majority. However, the majority does not set out Judge Lewis' version of the events. Judge Lewis testified as to the comments he made to Roe: [Counsel:] Would you tell this body whether or not you ever in any manner made any sexual advances toward Ms. Roe. [Lewis:] I did not make any sexual advances toward Ms. Roe. However, in her claim, I did tell Ms. Roe, because she was going on and on about this three-years-and-sixth-month period she had been going with that boy, and she was really upset about it. And I told her, I said, Ms. Roe, calm down. I said, You're a nice-looking lady. You're gainfully employed. You're part-time military. I said, Forget him. Move on with your life and let him dream about what he's missed. And that was the gist of our conversation. As far as any advances or wanting her or touching her, it's out of the question. ¶ 34. Judge Lewis testified that he first met with Roe because he was told she was there about filing a peace bond. Roe was involved in litigation with her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend, Tonya Thomas. She initially went to see Judge Lewis about a peace bond on a warrant that was never issued against Thomas. Judge Lewis testified that Thomas appeared the following day and said that she was never served with process in a civil case filed by Roe in which a default judgment was entered against Thomas. The default judgment was set aside and Thomas filed a counter-claim against Roe. Judge Lewis testified that at trial: I put Ms. Roe on the stand under oath. I asked her, I said, Ma'am, other than you coming to complain about a peace bond being served, have we had any other contact or anything outside of the realm of me being a judge? She said, No. I said, Have we discussed in any way this civil case? She said, No. I said, Have you rode in my car? She said, No. Have I rode in your car? She said, No. Have I been to your house? She said, No. I said, Have you been to my house? She said, No. I said, Does either party at this point have a problem going forward with this case? They both said, No. ¶ 35. This exchange was confirmed by former deputy clerk Jacquelyn Vann, who was present in the courtroom and testified before the Commission. ¶ 36. After trial, the original claim filed by Roe was dismissed, and a judgment was entered on the counterclaim. Roe denied that she became irate or that she had to be escorted out of the courtroom by a constable. However, Hinds County Constable Rubin Isaac testified that Roe was highly upset and that he had to escort her from the courtroom. Roe also testified that since I didn't agree with the ruling, I wrote this letter to the Judicial Committee. My checks were garnisheered [sic], and this was also put on my credit report. ¶ 37. Roe further filed complaints against two Jackson Police Officers who testified in justice court. Officer Derrick Hearn, with the Jackson Police Department Internal Affairs Division, testified that he was sent to justice court to find out if the two officers Roe complained about had been subpoenaed to testify. Hearn further testified that while he was at the courthouse, he heard Roe make a statement that if the judge didn't reschedule a hearing on her case, then she was going to tell them that he's been coming by her house in a black car with a Jackson State tag on it, you know, following her or something. The Commission found the proof insufficient to support Roe's claim of sexual misconduct.