Judiciary court announces judge suspension

photo Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner listens to court proceedings before pleading guilty to official misconduct Thursday, March 10, 2011 in Knoxville, Tenn. Baumgartner received a two-year suspended sentence, was placed on judicial diversion and resigned effective immediately from his elected post. (AP Photo/Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Court of the Judiciary has placed former Knoxville Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner on interim suspension.

Baumgartner earlier this month resigned from the bench after admitting he bought painkillers illegally from a felon under his jurisdiction.

Under state statute, he still has limited legal powers, but the suspension bans him from any such work.

The judiciary court announced the suspension Tuesday. The order was signed Monday.

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