DALLAS — Associate Judge Lorna Bedard’s courtroom was empty even though she was supposed to begin hearing cases this Tuesday.
"We advised them that they need to cease and desist until we hear from the civil DA’s office,” said Commissioner John Wiley Price.
In question is where Bedard lives. According to Price, she lives in Forney in Kaufman County.
"The lines have to be drawn somewhere, but clearly the individual that was sworn in yesterday lives in Kaufman County, that is clear,” Price said. "State law is clear a judge must be a resident of this state and one of the counties the person will serve.”
Dallas associate judges only hear cases in Dallas County.
Price said the commissioners court hasn’t even voted on Bedard’s employment that would make her hiring official.
“They don’t have a court order from the commissioners' court for an employee to begin work, so I don’t know what they’re doing,” said Price.
Price said the commissioners and the head of the county human resources department told Judge Kim Brown last week not to hire Bedard as her associate judge until Bedard could show proof she lives in Dallas County, not Kaufman County.
“And so, we have not been furnished any other information that says anything to the contrary,” said Price.
WFAA went to Bedard’s courtroom for her side of the story. She walked off and refused to answer any questions.
As reported Monday, June 26, two other associate judges are prohibited from hearing any more cases.
Price said Tahira Merritt and Ronald Hurdle live in Collin County.
“The statute is really clear about residency, and they seem to be ignoring it,” said Price.
There are questions about what happens now to all the cases the judges have already ruled on.
The county is conducting investigations to determine what happens next.