Former Mobile judge acquitted of inmate spanking charges gets disbarred

Former Mobile judge disbarred after closed hearing

MOBILE, Ala. — A former Mobile County circuit judge acquitted last year of charges he sexually abused inmates has been disbarred by the Alabama Bar Association.

Several media outlets reported that a five-member panel decided to disbar Herman Thomas after a closed hearing Monday in Mobile.

The State Bar’s general counsel, Tony McLain, said the panel ruled Thomas violated rules of conduct when he paddled jail inmates and had improper communication with defendants.

Thomas’ attorney, Robert Clark, said the former judge plans to appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Thomas was acquitted in October of charges he sexually abused inmates while serving as a judge.