Judge James investigation nears completion, subsitutes named

According to Anastasia Burton, Deputy Communications Director with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox’s Office, the investigation of Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James is nearing completion.

The investigation, which involves missing court funds, is being conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice at the request of Mineral County Attorney Marcia Boris.

“Their (the DCI team) goal is to have the investigation completed by the end of this month,” Burton said in an email to the Mineral Independent. “That may be delayed if additional follow up is required.”

In light of Judge James’ voluntary leave of absence from her position, Mineral County Commissioners passed Resolution 8.16.13 on Friday during a regular session of the commission.

The resolution names Kathleen Brown and retired District Judge Douglas Harkin as “approved substitute justices of the peace pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-10-231(2).”

Also included in the resolution are Sanders County Justice of the Peace Donald M. Strine and Plains City Judge Joe Eisenbrandt, who “have agreed to act as substitute justices of the peace as their schedules allow.”

The resolution concludes by stating that Mineral County will be “responsible for reasonable fees and costs” which includes the cost of travel and per diem for the substitute judges.

The motion was passed unanimously by the county commissioners.