Kenny Johns back on the job!

Kenny Johns has returned to work as Oconee Probate Judge, after a six-month suspension for social media comments made about the Zachary Hammond case.  Johns apparently resumed office duties this month after a State Supreme Court decision that upheld his interim suspension from office that covered a six-month period starting April 12.  The justices wrote:  “We find respondent’s misconduct warrants a six (6) month suspension from judicial duties, retroactive to April 12, 2016 the date of his interim suspension.  We therefore accept the Agreement for Discipline by Consent and suspend respondent from office for six (6) months.”  According to the high court, the facts of what happened include the following:  “Respondent greatly regrets his conduct with regard to the estate of Z.H. matter and is sorry for any distress that it may have caused Z.H.’s family.  Respondent recognizes that, while he did not mention the estate of Z.H. by name on Facebook, it was inappropriate for him to make the statements as it would be clear in the community to what he was referring….Respondent has now removed himself as a judge on his Facebook page.  He submits that he is deeply embarrassed about the matter and seeks to assure the Court that, in the future, he will not make reference to anything involving his court and will refrain from making political posts or posting fundraising information on Facebook or any other social media…..”  Johns issued this brief comment this afternoon:  “I think the opinion offered by the justices accurately tells the story. My only comment would be that ‘I am glad this saga is over and I am happy to be back serving the good people of Oconee County.'”