[04/30/02]Former Vicksburg Alderman Samuel D. Habeeb has been picked by the state Supreme Court to serve as Warren County judge, replacing Gerald Hosemann who was suspended from the bench last week.

Habeeb 33, and an attorney for about 10 years, was sworn in this morning to handle cases, including those in the youth court Hosemann administered.

The court’s order follows its 6-3 decision six days ago to remove Hosemann, with pay, for an indefinite period related to the aggravated assault indictment the 16-year judge faces.

Hosemann’s current term expires in December, and Habeeb said he does not plan to seek an elective term in the post, something four other attorneys have already filed to do. The filing deadline is May 10. Hosemann, 50, has not said whether he plans to seek a fifth term, but presumably he could file even while suspended.

“I’m very honored and I look forward to serving as interim judge,” Habeeb said. “My goal is to try to be fair and just and to try to keep the very important role of County Court and Youth Court moving and prevent there being a gap in time. Youth court issues continually arise and there’s a definite need to continue the role of youth court.”

Habeeb, a Vicksburg native, was South Ward alderman for one, four-year term, from 1997 to 2001, and did not seek re-election. He was in private practice before that and worked as an assistant attorney general for about a year.

Hosemann’s suspension came two days after he was officially made aware of the Hinds County grand jury indictment and one day after the state Commission on Judicial Performance recommended he be temporarily replaced.

Although Hosemann was arrested Dec. 28 and charged with beating Juanita “Nita” Johnston, 48, she has publicly said he is not responsible for the injuries that left her hospitalized from Dec. 4 until early January.