Judge James investigation still under way

SUPERIOR – The Montana Department of Justice investigation into Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James’ connection to missing court funds is still underway.

According to Anastasia Burton, deputy communications director for Attorney General Tim Fox’s office, there are still some loose ends to tie up. She said the agent in charge of the case has a few more interviews to conduct before he is finished with the investigation.

“When he’s completed the interviews, he’ll submit a case file to our Prosecution Services Bureau,” Burton said in an email.

Since August of 2013, James has been under investigation for a possible connection to missing court funds. The investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigations started at the request of Mineral County Attorney Marcia Boris.

In August, the goal was to have the investigation wrapped up by the end of the month unless additional follow-up was required. However, as of Friday, January 3, there was still no timeline for when the investigation would be completed.

At the start of the investigation, James went on voluntary leave. Her duties were taken over by substitute judges appointed by a resolution (8.16.13) passed by the Mineral County Commissioners. The resolution said Mineral County would cover “reasonable fees and costs,” which included the per diems and travel costs, for the substitute judges to perform their duties here.

The resolution named Kathleen Brown and Douglas Harkin, a retired district judge, as substitute justices of the peace. Sanders County Justice of the Peace Donald Strine and Plains City Judge Joe Eisenbrandt also agreed to act as substitute judges as their schedules allowed.