The Supreme Court of South Carolina
RE: In the Matter of Spartanburg County Magistrate John J. Kesler
ORDER
Spartanburg County Magistrate John J. Kesler has failed on numerous occasions to report for duty at Spartanburg County Bond Court. This dereliction of duty is an unacceptable affront to the fair administration of justice and the courts. Furthermore, failure of a judge to appear and preside over bond court risks violations of S.C. Code Ann. ยง 22-5-5 l0(B) (Supp. 2022). Therefore, pursuant to Article V, Section 4 of the South Carolina Constitution,
IT IS ORDERED that Spartanburg County Magistrate Kesler is suspended from his magisterial duties until further Order of the Chief Justice, without compensation from Spartanburg County, and such suspension shall begin immediately.
Given the significance of this matter, a copy of this order will be distributed to all summary court judges. These judges are directed to carefully evaluate their own procedures and be physically present during working hours.
Donald W. Beatty
Chief Justice of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
August 21, 2023