 In a hearing this morning in Fayette Circuit Court, the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission heard testimony in the case of Pike Circuit Court Judge Stephen D. Combs. Because of the judicial misconduct allegations against him, the Commission held the proceedings to determine whether or not to temporarily suspend Combs. We believe that the evidence we're going to present in this case today will say that it is in the best interest of the justice that Judge Combs be temporarily suspended, depending on the final adjudication of the charges. In an attempt to substantiate allegations of misconduct, sworn written statements were read in court from Pikeville City Manager Donovan Blackburn, Police Chief Phillip Reed and Captain Chris Edmonds, as well as representatives from EQT. Two Pikeville attorneys, on the other hand, testified on behalf of Judge Combs. How would you describe his demeanor on bench? Very good, very cordial, very nice, treats attorneys and witnesses very kindly. But at the same time, the respect you have to have in this circuit court will be to advance that as well. Have you ever known Judge Combs to be in any way impaired while he's on the bench? Absolutely not now. Has he ever been the scariest anyone that you've seen? No, on the bench. On the bench or off the bench? After both sides finished presenting their cases, it only took the commission a short time to reach a decision. The commission finds that it will be in the best interest of justice that Judge Combs be suspended temporarily from acting in his official capacity as a judge and from the performance of his duties without affecting his pay status until final adjudication of the pending formal proceedings. And those formal proceedings have been tentatively scheduled for September of this year. For EKB Evening News at 6, I'm Shannon Deskins.