N.C. Judge Suspends Nifong

Jun 19, 06:07 PM

Current Headlines: A North Carolina judge suspended District Attorney Mike Nifong with pay Tuesday, finding that he disgraced his office with his handling of the Duke rape case.

Judge Orlando Hudson decided to act after learning that Nifong, who announced his resignation before a North Carolina State Bar panel recommended that he be disbarred, planned to remain in the post until July 13, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.

The State Bar grievance committee reached its decision Saturday after a five-day hearing, but Nifong can expect to keep his law license for several weeks. Nifong announced his resignation at the end of his testimony on Friday.

The suspension is the first step in removing Nifong from office. Hudson appointed a lawyer to represent Nifong, saying that he himself is unsure of the procedure.

The committee found Nifong guilty of numerous ethical violations, including failure to notify defense lawyers of exculpatory evidence and making inflammatory statements. Three Duke Lacrosse players charged with sexually assaulting an exotic dancer hired for a party were exonerated by the state's attorney general.