Veteran judge takes leave of absence

By CHRIS TISCH
Published April 26, 2005

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LARGO - Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court Judge Brandt C. Downey, a veteran on the criminal bench, has taken a leave of absence.

In a written statement to the St. Petersburg Times, Chief Judge David A. Demers said Downey took the leave because of "some significant family and personal problems."

Demers declined to elaborate. Downey, reached at his home Tuesday, also declined to comment.

Demers and Judge Dee Anna Farnell, the administrative criminal judge, met with Downey on Wednesday just as a robbery trial was set to begin, said Ron Stuart, a spokesman for Demers. Downey left the courthouse after the meeting and Farnell oversaw the robbery trial, Stuart said.

A jury found the defendant guilty.

In his statement, Demers said he discussed the problems with Downey before the judge began his leave.

"I have met with Judge Downey as part of my duties as Chief Judge, but I am not at liberty to discuss the matters that were the subject of that meeting," the statement reads. "It may be that I can discuss those matters in the future, but I cannot discuss them at this time."

After the Times asked about Downey, Demers sent an email to all the circuit's judges advising them of Downey's leave, but not providing any more details.

"Although the information I am able to give is very limited, I wanted each of you to have it before you read it in the paper," Demers wrote. "And Judge Downey has agreed that I should provide it to you."

Stuart said it isn't known when Downey may return to the bench.

Downey, who has been a criminal judge for 17 years, has overseen some of the most high-profile felony cases in Pinellas County, including many death penalty cases.

Chris Tisch can be reached at 727-892-2359 or at tisch@sptimes.com