A Jefferson County judge has been suspended after a 120-page complaint was filed against her by the Judicial Inquiry Commission.
Judge Yashiba Blanchard serves as the Presiding Judge of the Jefferson County Probate Court. She was elected on November 5, 2024.
Blanchard reportedly told her staff that she was the “ultimate authority” with “no boss” overseeing her, according to FOX6News. She was suspended after multiple complaints accusing her of abuse of power, bullying and judicial misconduct.
In one case, Blanchard delayed hearing cases so she could take her dogs for walks. In another case, Blanchard canceled a hearing, forcing a patient to remain hospitalized for two additional weeks.
An email from hospital staff explained that the patient was prevented from being discharged due to lack of access to a hearing.
“This not only prevents her from being home with her family for Thanksgiving, but it also generates unnecessary hospitalization costs and creates avoidable emotional distress for the patient,” the email reads.
Blanchard is also accused of making racist comments about staff. She reportedly asked a court clerk if they liked white chief clerk Amanda Reid. When the staffer said they did, Blanchard replied: ‘Oh, I forgot you all like kissing white as*.'”
Retired Judge Sherri Friday has been appointed to step in as a special probate judge for the county while Blanchard is suspended.
“This temporary assignment is necessary for the orderly administration of justice,” a court filing issued by Presiding Circuit Court Judge Elisabeth A. French reads.
An Alabama probate judge, Yashiba Blanchard, has been suspended following a lengthy misconduct complaint! pic.twitter.com/FJe0jnBf0W
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