A family court judge accused of judicial misconduct is now taking a leave of absence.
Putnam County Family Court Judge William Watkins sent the state Supreme Court a letter late Friday afternoon telling them he was going on medical leave.
In the letter Watkins stated he has health problems and his doctor has ordered him to take some time off.
Judge Deloris Nibert will be Watkins’ replacement until he returns.
The state Supreme Court is in the process of considering disciplinary proceedings against him.
The state Judicial Investigation Commission alleges that Watkins delayed rulings, failed to enter domestic violence orders into the state’s tracking system and screamed and cursed at litigants.
The Court is scheduled to begin hearing oral arguments on February 5 in the case.