For someone aspiring to be a NC Supreme Court Justice, showing up in controversial stories isn’t usually a good campaign plan. Caroline Curran, over at PortCityDaily.com, has a detailed story about the latest in the ongoing saga between Judge Lewis and local activist Ed Rapp.
BOLIVIA—A Brunswick County man being sued for libel by [Judge Ola Lewis] has asked the court to disqualify the judge’s attorney [Lonnie Williams] on the grounds he orchestrated a campaign to boost her judicial reputation and keep her “on the bench” and unopposed. The motion asks for Williams’ removal as Lewis’ attorney for several reasons, including Rapp’s contention “Mr. Williams doggedly pursued his efforts to rehabilitate Judge Lewis’ reputation,” making him a potential witness for Rapp. The motion also claims Williams sought political contributions from attorneys for Lewis’ re-election efforts.
Was there a shake-down?
Williams sent a message to 33 recipients on Nov. 23, 2009. In it he reports the addresses of 12 attorneys who responded to the North Carolina Bar Association’s judicial performance evaluation survey with critical evaluations of Lewis.. . . In some email exchanges included with the motion Williams writes a favorable rating could replace a campaign contribution. “Please send me a $250 check for Judge Lewis’ re-election campaign or send the rating sheet and affidavit. If you have already sent the letter to me as requested, you are exempted from this,” Williams wrote.
Methinks this is the beginning of a much broader story. The jury trial in this case is scheduled for Jan. 22. There has been no response from either Williams or Lewis to the story as of this writing.
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10
2013 At 3:31 pm, russellt77 Said:
I now get it. The most important aspect of the Brunswick County justice system is that you have to figure out which Judge is going to rule on your case before you pick a lawyer to represent you. Good grief!