JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of pastors are demanding a local judge to step down.
Judge Mark Hulsey, III has been re-assigned after a judicial panel found he acted inappropriately toward staff and made derogatory comments about women and African-Americans.
“Why should he step down, because he is a judge,” said Pastor Frederick Newbill with First Timothy Baptist Church.
Newbill, along with more than dozen local pastors, stood up front and center on Thursday, echoing their message loud and clear.
“He must be removed from probate. We don’t need him on the bench,” said Newbill.
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This comes after the Judicial Qualifications Commission found probable cause to bring formal charges against Judge Hulsey. He is accused of inappropriate behavior toward staff and making derogatory comments about women and African Americans, according to the JQC.
The report claims Judge Hulsey referred to the Lead Staff Attorney as the ‘B’ word and a ‘C’ word. He also allegedly made racial statements about black people in 2011, stating "They should go back on a ship and go back to Africa."
Wednesday, a group of black attorneys defended the judge.
“If anything, this should show the type of person he is, the meeting we’re at today exemplifies how fair he has been as a judge,” said Attorney Jarahn Newman.
“How can 10 black lawyers from this community come forward and say he’s a good man?” said Newbill.
The pastors call the accusations serious.
“We will not go away, I promise you that,” said Newbill.