Judge hits Clarke sheriff with contempt charge

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Oct. 2, 2002
Justice Court Judge Tobey Bartee issued a contempt warrant Tuesday against Clarke County Sheriff Todd Kemp.
Bartee said the charge came after the sheriff failed to comply with a court order to return items seized in a traffic stop on Interstate 59 to their owner. The items were National Football League collectible containers of alcohol.
The warrant orders the sheriff to explain his reasons.
The judge declined to identify the driver involved in the traffic stop. Bartee's latest action comes after charges against the driver were dismissed on Tuesday, and the man's attorney filed an affidavit.
No hearing has been set for the sheriff, who could not be reached for comment.