[03/30/02] Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said Friday that the aggravated assault charges against Warren County Court Judge Gerald Hosemann should be resolved quickly so stability can be returned to Warren County’s court system.

Hosemann, 50, is facing charges of beating former court reporter Juanita “Nita” Johnston and leaving her on his ranch in Hinds County in December. Since Hosemann’s arrest on Dec. 28, the attorney general called for Hosemann to step down, Hosemann announced his retirement last week and Hosemann this week said he will stay on the bench.

“What is needed more than anything else is to have stability in the court system in Warren County,” Musgrove said.

Hosemann announced his retirement on March 19 after being ordered to appear before Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter to answer charges of violating a gag order by talking to the media. At the time, he said the pending felony aggravated assault charge he faced was interfering with his obligations as a judge.

But, four days before his planned exit, Hosemann withdrew his resignation.

“We had no choice but to recognize that,” Musgrove said.

The governor said the most important thing now is for the charges against Hosemann to be presented to the grand jury as soon as possible so the matter can be resolved. The Hinds County District Attorney’s Office has said it will present the charges to the grand jury that convenes April 15.

The grand jury, which hears and deliberates the evidence in criminal cases behind closed doors, can either indict Hosemann or return a “no bill,” meaning jurors believe not enough evidence exists for prosecutors to move forward with the case.

If convicted, Hosemann could face up to 20 years in prison and be forced to resign from the bench post he has held for 16 years.

Johnston, 48, was found injured on Hosemann’s Hinds County property Dec. 6 and spent more than a month in hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson. In a sworn statement to Hinds County deputies, she said Hosemann caused her injuries, but has since said he never harmed her.

Hosemann has maintained his innocence, saying the day after he and another man found Johnston that he did not know how she was injured.

Johnston has also said that she loves her former employer.

Hosemann is also facing an election this November, but he has not said if he plans to seek office again. He has been the County Court and Youth Court judge in Warren County for 16 years.

At least two attorneys have said they will run for the $94,000-a-year post. Robert C. Arledge, 44, and Warren County Prosecuting Attorney Johnny Price, 55, had also asked to be appointed to the bench until the election.

Hosemann has not been opposed in his four previous bids for county judge starting in 1986.

Local attorney William Bost Jr., 57, also sought the nine-month appointment, but has not said if he plans to seek the office through election.

Musgrove said he had been prepared to make the appointment, but would not say whom he had selected.

Arledge is the only candidate to file qualifying papers for the general election. The deadline is May 10.