The Mississippi Supreme Court has suspended Chancery Judge Joe Dale Walker, with pay, while he waits to hear the results of an inquiry by the Commission on Judicial Performance

Walker presides over the Thirteenth Chancery Court District, which includes Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Simpson and Smith counties. He was re-elected in 2010 for a term that expires in 2014.

The Commission on Judicial Performance sought interim suspension with pay for Walker while its investigation continues into alleged inappropriate actions regarding a conservatorship in Walker’s court.

Walker is represented by State Rep. Robert E. “Bob” Evans, who is an attorney in Monticello. Evans had asked for the proceedings to be delayed until after the Legislature adjourns in April.  The Supreme Court said Thursday that issue was moot because of its interim suspension order.

The Honorable William R. Barrnett, Senior Status Judge, was appointed as Special Judge of the Thirteenth Chancery Court District effective Friday, February 21, 2014 and continuing through August 31, 2014.