One On One Interview With Magistrate Judge Anthony Peters

      A Catoosa County magistrate off the job is now joined by his boss. One day after Magistrate Judge Anthony Peters is put in handcuffs, Chief Magistrate Donald "Sonny" Caldwell is now off the job as well. Peters sat down with NewsChannel 9 for a one-on-one interview.

    The County attorney's office says both men agreed to walk away from the job for a few days.

   County attorney Chad Young says the Judicial Qualifications Commission has been contacted and is investigating. NewsChannel 9 confirmed today the GBI is also examining two specific allegations regarding Peters.

      Turmoil and tension vave filled the Catoosa Magistrate's Office. 14 year magistrate judge  Peters and his boss Chief Magistrate Donald "Sonny" Caldwell have been at odds.

Peters sat down one on one with us. "Yes, I knew it was coming. I just knew it was a matter of time before I went to jail." That happened yesterday because he wouldn't leave after Caldwell insisted on it.

    Last month, Peters filed a complaint against Caldwell with the Judicial Qualifications Commission. He said the complaint centered on "nepotism." Peters continued, "It's either his way or the highway and that was evident yesterday when I was led away in handcuffs."

Judge Caldwell told NewsChannel 9 Wednesday night,  "No, he has not been fired, he has been put on administrative leave with pay."

    Peters responded, "I told him the last time I looked in the law book the Judicial Qualifications Commission was the only ones that can do that." He's right. The JQC confirms a Chief Magistrate cannot fire a magistrate judge, the JQC has the sole power. The final step is the Supreme Court approving it. NewsChannel 9 left two messages at Caldwell's home today but he hasn't returned our calls.

    But Peters problems also lie outside the Magistrate's office.This afternoon, the GBI confirmed it is investigating Peters. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Ramey said, "There was just two specific allegations to look into and that's what our agent has been looking into at this point." The request came from the District Attorney Buzz Franklin of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. Agent Ramey would not disclose the specifics because the investigation is in the preliminary stages and continuing.

    NewsChannel 9 asked Peters if he had any idea why the GBI was investigating him, "No sir, I don't. That's the reason I want them to come talk to me. But now I'll have to have my lawyers here."

    Larry Stagg is representing him as well as an attorney whose name and face have become familiar. Scott King, who defended Tonya Craft, has been in contact with Peters. King told NewsChannel 9 "it appears that I will be" on his case. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ramey confirms this investigation started on May 28th. Two weeks before that Peters filed his complaint against his boss, Ramey says there is no connection.

    Ramey said, "If the allegations are true, they would be criminal in nature. " Peters says he wants the facts to come out, "Let's roll and let's bring the truth out. And the truth has put me in jail."

    Meanwhile, Ringgold City council voted Peters off the bench Monday night as its interim municipal judge. City manager Dan Wright confirmed that and added Gene Lowery is the replacement judge. That position is an appointed one, not elected.