Oconee judge suspended

Kenny Johns, the Oconee Probate Judge, has been removed from office in what the State Supreme Court calls an interim suspension.  No details were given in an order signed by Chief Justice Costa Pleicones.  A source described as close to the matter said Facebook comments made following Seneca’s settlement with the Hammond estate triggered the suspension.  In a text last evening, responding to 101.7/WGOG NEWS’s request for comment, Johns said, “I don’t think I can, honestly.”  The Supreme Court order reads:  “The Office of Disciplinary Counsel has filed a petition asking the Court to place respondent to interim suspension pursuant to Rule 17(b) of the Rules for Disciplinary Enforcement (RJDE) contained in Rule 502 of South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCAR)….” The interim suspension requires Johns to immediately move funds, documents and other materials to the county’s Associate Probate Judge.  And Scott Moulder, county administrator, says the interim suspension means that Johns’ deputy, Karen Lee, takes charge of the office.   The Supreme Court order forbids Johns from entering the premises of the Probate Court unless escorted by a law enforcement officer following authorization by Lee, the Associate Judge.