Georgia: Investigation Into Uncertified Official Reporter

Posted in: Court Reporter News

“A former Muscogee County Superior Court court reporter’s lack of certification while working for Judge Robert Johnston is now raising questions about transcripts she submitted to the clerk of court.

Sharon D. Dilleshaw worked for Johnston for nearly 10 years before resigning in early 2009 after it was discovered she had worked the previous nine months without being certified, as required by state law.

In a hearing last week, Columbus criminal defense attorney Bill Mason told Johnston he had attempted unsuccessfully in May 2008 to get an accurate transcript from Dilleshaw of a case he is appealing. At the time, Dilleshaw’s license was suspended.

Johnston resigned last month after a meeting with an investigator for the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates complaints about judges and their fitness to serve. His last day on the bench is Monday.

No one can say how many trial and court hearing transcripts Dilleshaw produced while she worked without certification. Superior Court Clerk Linda Pierce said she could not easily provide the number, and invoices Dilleshaw submitted to the city’s Finance Department for payment were not specific”

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