Domestic Fight Lands Judge and Girlfriend in Court, TN
Domestic Fight Lands Judge and Girlfriend in Court Memphis - It's business as usual inside 45 year old Judge Lonnie Thompson's General Sessions Civil Courtroom Monday afternoon. The judge was hearing cases, but wasn't talking about what happened at his Cordova home late Sunday with his 29 year old girlfriend Rachel Hart. Police were called after Thompson and Hart apparently got into an argument. "This is a situation where Judge Thompson was at home. She came to his home and was asked to leave. She refused to leave. She damaged his home. She in fact assaulted him and he made two separate calls for police assistance." says Thomas Hansom, Thompson's attorney. According to the police report, Thompson said Hart became irate and argumentative. He says Hart struck him in the face with her fist and appeared to have a sharp object in her hand. He says he had to walk away from his home. Police also say they found broken glass and minor damage to a bedroom wall. Hart told police her hair was yanked out and Thompson sat on her until she threw up on herself. She said she was struck in the face by Thompson and he ripped her shirt. Officers took both into custody for simple assault. Thompson has been a judge for six years. Kenya Wright has a case before him and is reserving judgement on the judge's actions, saying it shouldn't affect his work. "I don't think it will have an affect on that. It was personal and something caused at home." says Wright. We were unable to reach Rachel Hart, but she is due back in court October 24th. Judge Thompson will be in court again November 7th. His attorney says he is ready to have his day in court and return to being a judge instead of having to defend himself before one. The Court of Judiciary handles complaints and disciplinary affairs against judges. They tell us they would only get involved in any case if there is an official complaint or if a judge is convicted of a felony. http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=5522808