MONTGOMERY COUNTY — A Montgomery County judge must step down from his position after he pleaded guilty to charges related to misusing his public office.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Montgomery County Western District Court Judge James Piergies was sentenced after pleading guilty to obstructing official business.
Piergies received a 90-day suspended jail sentence, two years of community control, and a $750 fine. He is also required to resign from the bench and complete 75 hours of community service.
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As previously reported on News Center 7, Piergies initially faced possible charges of misusing his public office in a case that also involved Montgomery County Clerk of Court Mike Foley’s office.
He was accused of getting his son a job in Foley’s office.
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State investigators said this move was not legal, leading to charges against both men.
News Center 7’s Mike Campbell talked to Montgomery County residents about Piergies’ sentencing.
“Because no one is above the law. If we are not above the laws, they shouldn’t be either,” Teria Jewett said.
“He should be held accountable, sure he should, sure he should, nobody’s above the law,” Montgomery County resident Padtrone Cochran Sr. said.
News Center 7 obtained video of the sentencing hearing on May 9 that was never placed on a public docket.
State auditors’ office prosecutors said Piergies got his son a job in Foley’s office, but his pay went through the court, with Piergies signing the transfers.
“Totally wrong, incorrect,” Cochran said.
The case against the judge’s co-defendant in the case, Mike Foley, is still moving forward.
Foley is facing a charge of attempted unlawful interest in a public contract.
“Sad but true but nobody’s above the law,” Cochran said.
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