Putnam County judge involved in controversial election

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A Putnam County judge involved in an election lawsuit is on the job despite doctor’s orders.

An Action News Jax investigation reveals that Judge Elizabeth Morris has been presiding over several court cases.

Morris was chairwoman of the Putnam County Canvassing Board, the group tasked with counting certain ballots.

A complaint filed challenged the outcome of the race between Gator DeLoach and Jon Kinney. DeLoach became sheriff after a controversial recount.There are also allegations of misconduct among members of the canvassing board.

Morris hasn’t testified regarding the race for medical reasons. Her deposition was delayed after Morris’ doctor wrote that she was “recovering from right knee surgery and is unable to participate in all legal activity at this time.”

Morris' doctor wrote the same note on Feb. 8, the same day our documents show she sentenced an offender to nearly a year in jail. Because of her doctors’ orders, Morris’ deposition has been pushed back.

Some feel it’s a delay tactic.

“I just think people are trying to put it off as long as they can so nothing comes of it and that people forget about it,” said Erdenberger.

Morris was initially under doctor’s care until March, but emails Action News Jax obtained show she could testify on Feb. 28.

Action News Jax reached out to Morris’ office, but never heard back.

A spokesperson with the 7^th Judicial Circuit told Action News Jax, "A Putnam County Court judge was absent on medical leave. She has since been able to resume some work earlier than was anticipated."

Cox Media Group