Lincoln County to pay part of defense costs for Gary Hicks
by Duane Williams, KLCB 1230 AM Libby News Radio
September 2, 2008
Lincoln County will pay $40,000 of Justice of the Peace, Gary Hick's $58,300 defense costs.
Despite Lincoln County's vehement opposition, District Judge Kitty Curtiss, last month, ordered the County to pay Hick's defense costs. The terms of the agreement say that the County will pay $40,000 and will not be required to make any additional payments related to the Judicial Commission proceeding against Hick's and the County will be entitled to reimbursement of some or all the payment if the Judicial Commission clears Hick's of the charges and he is awarded attorney's fees and costs.
Hick's is under review of the Judicial Commission for alleged comments and activities in the conduct of his office unbecoming to the office, such as suggestive comments to, and requests of sex from female defendants in return for leniency of sentences. Hick's has denied the sexual allegations, but admits to making comments that could be taken out of context and misconstrued as suggestive.
The Judicial Commission has yet to make a determination in the case, having taken it under advisement.
_________________________________________
Story by Duane Williams, KLCB 1230 AM Libby News Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com.
|
