Judge fires back at critics during judicial hearing second day

by: Andrew Davis

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – Day two of the Tom Bordeaux hearing brought the judge back to the stand to defend himself against charges that allege he is not doing his job.

The Chatham County probate judge is in front of the Judicial Qualification Commission (JQC) facing charges connected to not handling a dozen or more cases in a timely manner.

He was facing questions connected to 10 formal charges filed in October of 2024 by the JQC including willful misconduct in office and failure to perform duties.

The 10-count document from JQC Director Courtney Veal and Deputy Director Ashton Murphy alleged that Bordeaux violated at least two Code of Judicial Conduct rules.

The Code of Judicial Conduct requires judges to “perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, and without bias or prejudice.” Judges are also required to “dispose of all judicial matters fairly, promptly, and efficiently.”

Bordeaux once again admitted that he made mistakes and “dropped the ball” in some cases. But placed the blame on a lack of staff and insufficient funding for his office and said he is putting everything he can into the position.

“I’m tired of working long hours. I can’t keep working the hours. I won’t keep working the hours.” Bordeaux said. “Maybe you all will decide i shouldn’t work any. One way to fix that is to depend more on competent lawyers in cases where I can. And I’m thrilled to do that.”

The JQC also asked the judge why he took the probate judge job in the first place. He said he thought it would be easy, almost a part-time job, but quickly learned that was not the case.

He said Probate Court was almost a tougher job than other courts because of the caseload.

He added that the Chatham County Probate Court is in a better place than it was when he got into office.

The claim is that Bordeaux did not handle a dozen or more cases in a timely manner, cases that took years to come to a conclusion and some that still are outstanding because of Bordeaux’ inaction.

When asked what he would do as a punishment for his alleged inaction, Bordeaux was defiant and said he should not be forced from office.

“If I need to be beaten. I’ve been beaten enough already flogged. I need to be reprimanded. Then you won’t embarrass me any more than I’ve already been embarrassed by what I brought myself here. So, I don’t know what your range of options are, but I don’t want to be removed. I don’t think I deserve to be removed.”

Bordeaux did say he would take help from former Savannah City Manager Pat Monahan as well as another former judge offering to aid him in knocking down the caseload.

Considering the investigations and charges, Bordeaux was asked if he was glad that he took the job in the first place.

“I don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have this,” the judge said. “I don’t have any hobbies other than getting away and going hiking for a weekend. And my wife works all the time, too. And our children are gone. So, I had a total misapprehension and I’m glad I did.”

Bordeaux also said because of his age, 71, and his other interests, he would not commit to running for another term in 2028,

The case should conclude Wednesday. 

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Judge fires back at critics during judicial hearing second day