Judge Retires after New Sexual Harassment Complaint

Susy Owen

Attorney

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Judge W. Fred. Axley, 70 was originally elected in 1982 as a Criminal Court judge in Shelby County, Florida. Of late, he was permanently barred from a Florida resort due to a sexual harassment complaint made by one of the resort's female employees.

Since that time, he has announced his retirement, while stating that the sexual harassment complaint had nothing to do with his decision to retire. In a letter to Governor Phil Bredesen he stated "My years in criminal justice have been both challenging and personally fulfilling," adding that he and his wife "are looking forward to the various opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."

A review of the judge's record shows that in 2000 and 2001 two court clerks filed harassment suits against the him. Those suits were dismissed.

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