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Scott JDR Judge Suspended

From staff reports

A local juvenile and domestic relations court judge has been suspended following an incident that happened last month in Wise County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Thirtieth Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge James Michael Shull of Gate City was officially suspended after a formal complaint was filed against him for inappropriate behavior that occurred Dec. 15 in Wise.

According to courtroom witnesses, Shull was presiding over a case involving a woman, who was seeking a protective order from an abusive partner. The woman removed her pants two times in the courtroom to show injuries she alleged were caused by her partner.

After the second incident, Shull left the bench to “get a closer look” and went to look at the woman’s injuries.

The state’s Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission received a complaint regarding Shull’s actions on Dec. 15. The JIRC was created by the Constitution of Virginia to investigate charges of judicial misconduct or serious mental or physical disability.

The commission has seven members consisting of three judges, two lawyers and two citizen members who are not lawyers. The members are elected by the Virginia General Assembly for four-year terms.

Virginia State Police officially served Shull his suspension notice at the end of his work day on Wednesday, Dec. 20. By law, he is not allowed to enter any Virginia courtroom while the matter is under investigation.

Court officials have secured substitute judges to work in Shull's absence to keep the court dockets active.

An employee of the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission declined to comment on the proceeding but did say all information found during the investigation remains confidential.

To make a formal complaint against any judge, a person must complete a form outlining the allegations and must sign their name. All information in complaints sent to JIRC remains totally confidential.

Shull has served as a JDR Judge since his selection in February 2003. He officially took the bench the next month following the resignation of Judge Greg Baker, who was forced to resign following accusations of completing false applications for the position.

First District Del. Terry Kilgore (R-Gate City) served as chairman of the Courts Judiciary Subcommittee, who oversees the selection of judges.

Shull is expected to appear before the commission later this week.

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