Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood's Letter Concerning Doug Brimhall
Uploaded by
KAIT-TVProsecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood's Letter Concerning Doug Brimhall
Uploaded by
KAIT-TVOFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Sonia F. Hagood, State Prosecuting Attorney
for the 2nd Judicial District
320 West Court Street, Box 212
Paragould, AR 72450
870-232-7021 (telephone):870-205-6051 (fax)
October 4, 2024
Honorable Judge Pam Honeycutt
2nd Judicial District Administrative Judge
P.O. Box 1951
Jonesboro, AR 72403
(via email only)
RE: Douglas Brimhall – Judge Elect
Dear Judge Honeycutt,
I write to express the position of the 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
regarding Mr. Brimhall’s decision to take the bench after pleading guilty to criminal
charges on September 18, 2024.
As the Court is aware, Mr. Brimhall’s actions on May 3, 2024, led to his criminal charges
and subsequent plea. Upon learning of the incident, I promptly initiated the appointment
of a Special Prosecutor, recognizing the inherent conflict of interest due to Mr. Brimhall’s
then role as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. I personally ensured the proper paperwork
was filed and an order was signed appointing a Special Prosecutor on May 6, 2024.
To my great relief, Mr. Brimhall resigned his position as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
almost immediately.
During this process, I instructed the Jonesboro Police Department to direct all inquiries
to the Special Prosecutor, ensuring that no Deputy Prosecutor, nor I, would be involved
in the prosecution. This was a necessary step to maintain integrity in our office and avoid
even the appearance of a conflict.
I provide this information to point out that while neither myself, nor any Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney, in the 2nd Judicial District were involved in the prosecution of Mr.
Brimhall, we are certainly left to deal with the aftermath of it.
Following Mr. Brimhall’s plea, he issued a press release indicating his intention to serve
as Circuit Judge. As the Elected Prosecuting Attorney, I feel a profound responsibility to
advocate for the victims we represent and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
The victims we serve, as well as the defendants we prosecute, deserve a fair and impartial
judiciary. Mr. Brimhall’s conduct raises significant concerns regarding his ability to fulfill
these expectations. I presume there are complaints filed with the Judicial Discipline and
Disability Committee, and well as with the Office of Professional Conduct. However, we
currently lack clarity on any potential disciplinary actions or restrictions he may face.
If the Court intends to revisit the judicial plan, we respectfully request that Mr. Brimhall
be excluded from presiding over any cases involving the 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting
Attorney’s Office. The 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s office intends to file a
motion to recuse in all cases that may come before Mr. Brimhall.
Given Mr. Brimhall’s criminal conduct and his actions since May 3, 2024, I have no
confidence he can provide the citizens of this judicial district even the appearance of a
fair and impartial judge.
We are a self-regulating profession; failing to address wrongdoing undermines the very
principles of justice we are sworn to uphold. In my opinion, to stay silent on this issue is
to be complicit in his conduct.
This judicial district is blessed with a history of judges who honor their oaths and serve
the public with integrity. I hold my own oath as Prosecuting Attorney sacred and strive
to serve the citizens I represent with honesty and integrity.
I pray the Court will consider the impact Mr. Brimhall’s actions have on the 2nd Judicial
District.
Respectfully,
/s/ Sonia F. Hagood
Sonia F. Hagood
2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney
cc: Honorable Richard Lusby, Honorable Christopher Thyer, Honorable Charles Mooney, Jr.,
Honorable Tonya Alexander, Honorable Mary Broadaway, Honorable Kimberly Bibb, Honorable
Melissa Richardson, Honorable Dan Ritchey, Honorable Randy Philhours, Honorable Scott
Ellington, Honorable Keith Chrestman, Judge-Elect Douglas Brimhall (via email only)
