Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Vernon County judge to handle sheriff's wife's felony case

Vernon County Circuit Court Judge Gerald Macbeth will handle the initial arraignment and/or preliminary hearing for Susan Michelle Higgins, 36, Golden City, who faces a felony identity theft charge. Macbeth took over after Barton County Circuit Court Judge Charles Curless recused himself.
No court date has been set according to court records.
Mrs. Higgins is the wife of Barton County Sheriff Shannon Higgins.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judge McBeth is not the "Vernon County Circuit Court Judge". That title belongs to Judge Bickel. Judge McBeth was, prior to the last election, the "Associate Judge". Because of his length of service, he now receives assignments to specific cases as "Senior Judge".

Anonymous said...

This is not surprising someone needs to look at her for mishandling funds for the Golden City Girl Scouts also. How do you think Shannon election bid for County Sheriff will go now.

Anonymous said...

I heard she had sticky fingers. They need to investigate her on the beer garden funds too.

Anonymous said...

Rescue? How about conflict of interest?

B

Anonymous said...

Why did Curless recuse himself. Is he related?

Randy said...

In a case like this, I would guess Judge Curless is recusing himself because the sheriff testifies in his court and provides bailiffs for court sessions. Judge Curless is likely simply trying to remove any appearance of a conflict of interest.