JONESBORO, Ark. — The Second Judicial District Attorney has expressed concerns about being sworn in as a circuit judge following the criminal case against Doug Brimhall, who was pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge last month.
In an Oct. 4 letter obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Prosecutor Sonia F. Hagood questioned whether Brimhall could even provide the district with the appearance of being a fair and impartial judge. He said he was not confident.
Given Mr. Brimhall’s criminal conduct and actions since May 3, 2024, I am not confident that he will be able to provide even the semblance of a fair and impartial judge to the residents of this judicial district.
– Prosecutor Sonia F. Hagood
The two-page letter is the first to further clarify prosecutors’ thoughts on Brimhall’s arrest. At the time of the May 3 investigation, Brimhall was serving as a deputy prosecutor under Hagood. Mr. Hargood wrote in his letter that he was extremely relieved that Mr. Brimhall resigned so soon.
Brimhall resolved his pending felony charges with a misdemeanor plea agreement on September 19, according to a statement from his defense team. He was given a suspended sentence of 12 months, fines, fees, anger management classes, and community service.
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However, Brimhall insisted on plans to become a circuit court judge. In a press release issued on the same day that Brimhall pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor, his attorney, Bill Stanley, said that Brimhall would “stand in court and fulfill the duties and responsibilities that this community has chosen for him.” I’m looking forward to it,” he wrote.
Prosecutors’ Oct. 4 letter directly responded to this, saying they felt a “grave responsibility to advocate for the victims we represent and maintain the integrity of our justice system.”
“The victims we serve, as well as the defendants we prosecute,” Hagood wrote in a letter to Second Judicial District Administrative Judge Pam Honeycutt. “They have the right to fair and impartial justice.” “Mr. Brimhall’s conduct raises serious concerns about his ability to meet these expectations. I believe complaints have also been lodged with the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC) and the Office of Professional Conduct.” However, it is unclear at this time what disciplinary action or restrictions he may face.
JDDC confirmed it was investigating at least one complaint related to Mr Brimhall’s arrest. Hagood’s letter will be CC’d specifically to JDDC Executive Director Emily Abbott.
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“If the court intends to reconsider its judicial plan, I respectfully request that Mr. Brimhall be removed from presiding over any cases involving the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office,” Hagood said. “The Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office intends to file motions to dismiss all cases that may be filed against Mr. Brimhall.”
Ms Hagood’s letter states her opinion that by remaining silent on the issue, she is complicit in his actions. She is asking the court to consider the impact of Brimhall’s actions on the district as a whole.
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