Allegations involving a Lee County judge have been referred to the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission, according to the state court system.
The allegations involve Lee County District Court Judge Brian Lewis and a reported incident inside a courtroom on Friday, July 17.
WRAL reported that a complaint was filed after sources alleged Lewis displayed a firearm in court. The news organization reported that the firearm was not displayed in a threatening manner.
Report Mentions Firearm Laser
Sources cited in the report alleged the firearm had a laser sight and that the laser’s spot appeared on an employee of the Lee County Clerk of Court’s office.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts said it was aware of the Lee County judge allegations and had referred the matter to the Judicial Standards Commission.
The state court system did not independently confirm or deny the specific details of the reported incident.
Lewis had not provided a public response to questions from WRAL when its report was published.
Judges May Carry Firearms in Court
North Carolina law permits judges to carry firearms in courthouses and courtrooms under certain circumstances.
The review is therefore expected to focus on whether the alleged conduct met the ethical and professional standards required of judges, including standards governing courtroom safety and decorum.
A referral does not establish that misconduct occurred. The Lee County judge allegations remain unproven unless supported through the commission’s review process.
Judicial Standards Commission Reviews Complaints
The North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission investigates complaints concerning possible judicial misconduct or disability.
Commission proceedings are generally confidential during the investigative process. Public information may be released later if the commission recommends disciplinary action and the matter advances through the state judicial system.
No timetable has been announced for the review of the Lee County judge allegations.
Additional information will be released if the Judicial Standards Commission or state court officials make a public announcement.
