Louisiana judge admits to misconduct; is suspended without pay for rest of term

CATAHOULA PARISH, La. (KALB) – Judge John Reeves, who serves the 7th Judicial District Court in Catahoula and Concordia parishes, pleaded guilty in a Judiciary Commission investigation to having engaged in misconduct in his actions at the judge’s bench.

The investigation, in conjunction with admissions of guilt by Reeves, found he:

• issued a legally deficient verbal order of visitation in a child custody case
• issued a legally deficient verbal search warrant in a criminal case
• allowed two members of his court staff to seek appointment as reserve deputies of the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office
• failed to timely recuse himself in a criminal case and gave the appearance of bias
• failed to comply with the Code of Criminal Procedure in reducing, revoking, and subsequently reinstating the defendant’s bond in a criminal case.

The Louisiana Supreme Court issued an opinion on June 25 agreeing with the Commission’s findings.

In acceptance of Reeve’s admissions, his four-month suspension will last from August 31, through the end of his term in office on December 31, 2026.

In addition to the suspension, Reeves must pay $6,148 to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.

Read the opinion by clicking here.

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