The Investigative Panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia has released a little bit of insight into the reason for their investigation into now-former Haralson County Chief Magistrate Jason Blackmon.

According to case documents: The investigative panel found reasonable cause to believe that Judge Blackmon violated the code of judicial conduct – by failing to promote public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary – which included initiating, permitting, and considering ex parte communications. Ex Parte refers to communications on one side only” or “by or for one party.

Blackmon’s resignation was accepted by the state on February fifth.

Meanwhile – Heard County’s Chief resigned last week – also under investigation by the JQC.

A JQC report on Judge Brenda Jennings reveals she was accused of “routinely failing to be at court, using staff to transport her to and from personal errands during workdays, arranging for tenants of her personal rental properties to make payments at court through staff and failing to report extra income. She also allegedly used profane language in court, engaged in prohibited communications about cases and failed to be dignified and courteous with a litigant.”

Jennings’ handwritten resignation was accepted by the state on February fifth.

Both Blackmon and Jennings won re-election campaigns to 4-year year terms – in 2024.