ATHENS, Ala. (AP) — A former Alabama judge indicted for stealing from clients has withdrawn a bid to have the charges thrown out.
Special Circuit Judge Steven Haddock on Sunday signed an order dismissing the attempt to overturn the 2019 indictment against former Limestone County District Judge Doug Patterson.
The order followed Patterson and his lawyer admitting in a court hearing last week that they were unlikely to prevail on their motion, The News Courier reports.
Patterson had asked Haddock to throw out the indictment, claiming part of the state ethics law was unconstitutional and that there was “undue influence” during the grand jury proceedings that led to the indictment.
Patterson was indicted on charges of using his position for personal gain, financial exploitation of the elderly and third-degree theft. He is accused of using his position as a district judge to steal $47,000 from a juvenile court fund. Before he became a judge, while working as a lawyer, Patterson is accused of stealing thousands from an incapacitated veteran and a client who died.