Date set in Baton Rouge corruption case recusal fight

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A date has been set in Attorney General Liz Murrill’s fight to have Baton Rouge District Judge Gail Horne Ray recused from overseeing ongoing corruption cases involving East Baton Rouge Parish officials.

Judge Marilyn Castle ordered that arguments be brought before her on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Written arguments must be filed with the court by Aug. 11, according to a court order issued Tuesday, June 22.

Judge Ray previously decided not to recuse herself at prosecutors’ request, before ultimately turning the decision over to another judge.

Murrill’s office has sought the removal of Judge Ray, Judge Donald Johnson, and Judge Ronald Johnson.

The three district judges sued the state in federal court in the Middle District of Louisiana, claiming a law passed by state lawmakers illegally redraws the borders of their judicial districts.

An attorney representing the three judges says the law violates a consent decree stemming from a 1986 voting rights case that strengthened Black voting power.

Under the consent decree, anyone seeking to change judicial districts would first need to file to reopen that case and obtain judicial approval before making any changes, attorneys argued.

The lawsuit says state officials pushed for the 2025 bill without first reopening the voting rights case or seeking approval.

Murrill has previously said the allegations against her seemed personal. She argued the nature of the allegations raises questions about whether the judges can act impartially while presiding over her cases.

Castle has already approved recusals of the three judges in dozens of cases filed by Murrill’s office.

The cases that will be brought up at this recusal hearing involve former Capital Area Transit System Chief Administrative Officer Pearlina Thomas, Jarion Colar, Terrell Jackson, Erica Jackson, and Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr.

All have been netted in the corruption investigation into mismanaged spending of public money. They face charges ranging from theft to malfeasance in office.

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