A judicial disciplinary panel has charged an Arkansas judge with ethics violations for lying on a cot outside the governor's mansion during an anti-death penalty demonstration the same day he blocked the state from using a lethal injection drug.
A three-member panel of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission on Friday formally charged Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen, who was photographed on the a cot wearing an anti-death penalty button and surrounded by people holding signs opposing executions. Griffen earlier that day blocked Arkansas from using an execution drug over claims the company had been misled by officials.
Griffen has said he was portraying Jesus and participating in a prayer vigil.
Griffen's case now goes before the full commission and sanctions could result in his removal from office.