Columbia County judge resigns over misconduct allegations

A Columbia County magistrate judge resigned his office Thursday amid allegations that he had behaved inappropriately toward women he had encountered as a guardian ad litem, officials said.
Doug Nelson, who had been a magistrate judge since 2007, submitted his resignation at the Evans courthouse, said Columbia County Chief Magistrate Judge Jason Troiano. It was effective immediately, Troiano said.

Nelson had been notified earlier Thursday that Troiano had taken him off the court calendar and intended to refer him to the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Com­mission.

“While it is inappropriate to comment on the matter, I take the allegations very seriously,” Troiano said in a statement. “The integrity of Columbia County Magistrate Court and the judicial process are of utmost concern.”

At least two women have accused Nelson of inappropriate remarks and touching while serving as a court-appointed guardian ad litem

in their divorce cases, court officials said.

Tina Wright, of Grovetown, filed a report with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on April 23 accusing Nelson of grabbing her when they met to discuss her custody case in May 2011. Wright told police she and Nelson met at McDonald’s on Columbia Road, and at the end of the meeting he grabbed her into a close hug and stroked her back, making her uncomfortable, according to the report.

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Columbia County judge resigns over misconduct allegations

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DMN 05/01/14 - 06:52 pm

Clarification for Douglas Merlin Nelson

The allegations in this article concerning Doug Nelson should not be confused with the Douglas Merlin Nelson who has practiced law at 204 Thirteenth Street, Augusta, Georgia for over 18 years. Douglas Merlin Nelson is well respected and has an excellent reputation.