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Judge back on bench after 2-week leave
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 11, 2005
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Brant C. Downey has returned to the bench, following a leave of absence for what was described as "significant family and personal problems."
Chief Judge David A. Demers said Downey returned to the bench on Monday to resume handling criminal cases.
Demers would not be more specific about what kind of problem affected Downey, but said Tuesday, "I feel that he is adequately addressing the issue."
Demers said he "absolutely" had confidence in Downey's ability to preside in the courtroom. Efforts to contact Downey were unsuccessful.
Downey's leave of absence began two weeks ago. At the time, Demers and Judge Dee Anna Farnell, the administrative criminal judge, had met with Downey just before a robbery trial. After the meeting, Farnell oversaw the trial, court spokesman Ron Stuart said at the time.
Downey has served as a criminal judge for 17 years, presiding over several death penalty cases and other high-profile cases.
[Last modified May 11, 2005, 00:45:11]
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