A DeSoto County Justice Court judge has found herself on the other side of the law as she was arrested on charges of DUI and careless driving, as reported by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Karen Sanders, who presides over District 5 — the southern section of the county — was taken into custody by the Hernando Police Department, in an incident that has yet to be fully detailed to the public.
Acting upon the information provided by Action News 5, Sanders was released on her own recognizance by a Hernando City judge after the arrest. The same news outlet also highlighted that while the Justice Court typically handles lesser civil claims and misdemeanor cases, its judges wield the power to sign warrants, conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases, and issue critical temporary orders, a role Sanders is familiar with in her jurisdiction.
The judge who typically oversees small civil cases and a range of misdemeanor matters is now facing legal issues of her own. The situation is notable, as Justice Court judges are responsible for setting bonds, issuing arrest and search warrants, and conducting preliminary hearings in felony cases, in addition to handling civil and misdemeanor proceedings, as per information from the DeSoto County News.
Adding to this narrative, a DeSoto County PIO confirmed that Sanders is no longer an employee at the DeSoto County facility following her arrest. This detail comes courtesy of WREG, although no further clarification has been made regarding the circumstances of her departure. As of now, the public waits as more information is expected to be released concerning the judge's arrest.
