Las Vegas Judge Claims Public Defender Had Inappropriate Relationship with Client, Court Documents Reveal

A legal feud in Clark County has escalated after a public defender, Anna Lee Stone, accused District Court Judge Erika Ballou of making defamatory and unsubstantiated accusations in open court. The clash between the two professionals grew intense when Judge Ballou allegedly accused Stone of having a sexual relationship with her client, Jermaine Demecio Garner, during a court session. The accusation was made in a highly charged and vulgar manner, according to Stone’s affidavit.

Stone, who is representing Garner in a felony case, has now filed a request to have Judge Ballou removed from the proceedings, citing bias and a clear personal animosity that has affected her ability to impartially oversee the case. Stone argued that the judge’s accusation of an inappropriate relationship was not only inappropriate but also indicative of a deep-seated hostility, which would make any fair ruling impossible.

The tension between Ballou and Stone dates back to a previous case involving another criminal defendant, Dshawn Cross. Stone accuses Ballou of questioning her credibility in front of colleagues and even blaming her for Cross’s detention. Stone also alleges that Ballou denied her requests to argue on behalf of her client, Garner, and refused to allow her to make a record of his unlawful detention.

These accusations come on the heels of disciplinary charges filed against Judge Ballou by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. In April, Ballou faced six charges stemming from her past conduct as a public defender, including the controversial sharing of a photo in a hot tub with colleagues and making disparaging comments about police officers. These ethical violations have raised questions about Ballou’s suitability to continue presiding over cases.

As the legal battle continues, both Stone and Ballou’s futures hang in the balance. Stone’s actions to have the judge disqualified could mark a turning point in what has already been a turbulent courtroom relationship.