Lake County Judge Resigns, Harassment Complaints

POLSON, Mont. (AP) — The Lake County justice of the peace has resigned after two court employees filed sexual harassment complaints against him with the Montana Human Rights Bureau and won confidential settlements.

The Associated Press reports Justice of the Peace Chuck Wall submitted his resignation last Wednesday after 10 years on the bench.

In a letter to county commissioners, Wall wrote that in an effort to make the courtroom more enjoyable and a less intimidating place to appear, he said some things that in hindsight were "not becoming to a member of the judiciary."

County commissioners are expected to appoint someone to finish out the year.

Those interested in serving the final two years of Wall's term must file by Aug. 22 to appear on the November ballot. The job pays approximately $46,000 per year.