A Cabot District Court judge arrested Aug. 21 has been suspended from the bench pending the outcome of his criminal case.
The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission voted unanimously Thursday to suspend Judge Joe O'Bryan, with pay, on grounds that his arrest "does adversely affect the judge's ability to perform his judicial duties," according to a petition the group filed Thursday. The Arkansas Supreme Court granted the petition Friday.
O'Bryan, who was first elected as a Cabot District Court judge in 1990, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree domestic battery. He was arrested Aug. 21 after being accused of attacking his girlfriend, Robin Richard, during an argument at a Lonoke home.
According to a Lonoke police report: "An argument occurred between the two in the residence in which he was attempting to leave and she attempted to get him to stay because he was intoxicated. He became angry and grabbed her around her throat and threw her on the kitchen table."
O'Bryan left the home in his vehicle, according to the report. Police soon found him at his home in Cabot and arrested him. He was later released from custody on a $620 bond, according to the report.
O'Bryan did not return calls seeking comment.
The Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission said in its petition that O'Bryan did not object to a paid suspension. David Sachar, executive director of the commission, noted that Rule 10 of the group's Rules of Procedure allows for only paid suspensions.
Sachar declined further comment.
"We'll wait to see the conclusion of the criminal case," he said.
O'Bryan's first appearance in Lonoke District Court is set for Nov. 3. Under Arkansas law, third-degree domestic battery is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of $2,500.
It was unknown Friday who would preside over the court during O'Bryan's absence.
Metro on 08/30/2015