In the Matter of Kenneth E. Johns, Jr.

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court accepted an Agreement for Discipline by Consent and suspended Oconee County Probate Court Judge Kenneth E. Johns, Jr. for six months, retroactive to April 12, 2016. The suspension was based on social media posts concerning a probate estate, political endorsements, and fundraising activity, which violated provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct and the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement.

Holdings

1. The respondent's Facebook comments concerning a probate matter, political posts, and fundraising activity violated the specified provisions of Canons 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the Code of Judicial Conduct and Rules 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(9) of the Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement.
2. The respondent's misconduct warranted a six-month suspension from judicial duties, retroactive to April 12, 2016, the date of his interim suspension.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent's admitted Facebook comments, political activity, and fundraising activity violated the specified provisions of the South Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct and Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement.
2. What disciplinary sanction should be imposed under the Agreement for Discipline by Consent.

Disposition

other