Home News 

Story

Judge Accused Of Assaulting 92-Year-Old Mom

Posted: 9:42 pm EDT June 17, 2009Updated: 9:53 am EDT June 18, 2009

A part-time judge, who sometimes works at Fulton County Juvenile Count, is accused of assaulting her 92-year-old mother.

“It is alleged that my client struck her mother and tried to harm her. We absolutely deny that,” said attorney Ray Guidice, who represents Judge Jacqueline Gibson.

Gibson, and two siblings, are all charged following a fight that broke out over custody of the 92-year old woman.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Jones started digging into the case and allegations of assault. Some believe the family feud surrounds the mother's property and it all came to a head recently at a sibling’s home.

According to documents obtained by Jones, Judge Gibson and her brother, Gary Gibson, went to their sister's house to take their mother away, since Gary Gibson is the guardian. With an Atlanta Police officer there, one side says the mother didn't want to leave.

“She did not want to go. She resisted. And a fight broke out,” said attorney Elizabeth Rogan, who represents Gibson’s sister Blair King. “It's a very complicated unhappy story.”

The judge's attorney said she tried to grab her mother.

“She attempted to pick her up out of the chair to escort her out of the house. Out of this pushing and shoving that was taking place all around her by other people,” said Guidice.

That's when the 92-year-old woman fell, bruising her arm and legs. She was taken to an area hospital, and the judge was taken to jail and charged with simple battery. Two of Gibson’s siblings and her brother-in-law were all arrested on disorderly conduct charges.

While the situation is being sorted out, the judge is off the bench.

“She's had to step down and take a leave of absence right now,” said Guidice.

The county said Gibson is not an employee and works on an as-needed basis and that Gibson is not currently hearing cases. Meanwhile, a grandson has custody of Gibson's mother.

A preliminary hearing for Judge Gibson is scheduled for Friday.

More Headlines

2 Investigates

Scientists at the Georgia Aquarium have disturbing new research ... and what they're finding in ocean creatures could have massive implications for Georgians. Channel 2 Action News reporter Linda Stouffer got a close up look. Watch Video ››
Pt. 2 Georgia Aquarium Researchers Conduct Seafood Testing
DOLPHIN RESEARCH WEB EXTRAS: marineland.net | RAW VIDEO: Swimming With Dolphins | Fish Consumption Guidelines | Seafood Advisory Areas


A local police major says he's been removed from hiring and recruitment ... a result of sexual harassment allegations by two women. Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne has the latest. Watch Video ››


Federal law forbids paying welfare benefits to immigrants -- even legal immigrants. But a government investigation found that states all over the country are ignoring an important part of that law. When Channel 2 Action News reporter Richard Belcher asked Georgia's Department of Human Services what it was doing, the answer was: We don't know.

A Channel 2 investigation is exposing critical 911 delays. Dozens of Channel 2 viewers called and e-mailed us and said they were put on hold during emergencies. Investigative reporter Jodie Fleischer spent months requesting and digging through records. While the city of Atlanta still hasn't provived all of what we asked for, Fleischer has uncovered what appears to be a 911 emergency.

Channel 2 Investigates uncovers government waste , fraud and abuse. Full Story ››