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Written by: E. George
Published June 22, 2024 @ 9:30 PM ET
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities arrested a Douglas County probate judge on Thursday, June 20, 2024, and charged her with simple battery against a police officer and felony obstruction after she allegedly struck an off-duty police officer at an Atlanta venue. Jail records revealed that Probate Judge Christina Peterson hit the officer in the head while he was working a second job at the Peachtree Road Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge in Buckhead.
The victim was tending to a crying woman in the valet area at the time of the assault. Peterson refused to provide her name, and the officer noted that she “appeared to be under the influence.” Officials have not released whether or not she knew the crying witness.
Once at the jail, she continued refusing to identify herself to staff. Her first Fulton County Magistrate Court appearance was scheduled for Thursday morning; however, she waived it. Records list her as released from custody as of midday Thursday.
Since beginning her employment in 2020, the FOX 5 I-Team has launched multiple investigations into Peterson. In April 2024, a Judicial Qualifications Commission panel found her guilty of “systemic incompetence” and suggested her removal from office.
The panel cited examples of Peterson abusing courthouse personnel, ignoring courthouse rules, sharing inappropriate social media posts, and repeatedly failing to do her job properly. Beginning in September 2023, she faced 30 misconduct counts and four hearings.
The panel stated that she was guilty of “systemic incompetence… [Judges] are expected to act in a manner that promotes the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Respondent has shown that she cannot or will not do so. And so, she must go.”
It will be up to the Georgia Supreme Court to decide whether or not to approve the panel’s suggestion. This case is pending.
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