Nick Lulli reporting from Fox 54
AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
He's not only a reporter, but also, a father. Having gone through a tough custody case of his own, Scott Hudson understands how hard the fight can be.
It was his own experience that led Hudson to dig into the guardian ad litem system…and what he said he found was troubling.
It's the same evidence WFXG was eventually given by multiple sources: reports of inappropriate behavior by former guardian and magistrate judge Doug Nelson.
He says his own investigative work led him to a meeting of guardian ad litems, where he said he listened in via a source's phone.
Hudson said when Judge David Roper found out he had listened in, word passed through the legal community that Roper was preparing a warrant for his arrest because of the eavesdropping. Hudson said he found out from a relative of his. Roper denies threatening anyone with arrest, but does say he suggested the recording of the meeting may be in violation of state or federal law.
Hudson said this threat of imprisonment forced him to drop the story.
Earlier this month, Hudson detailed his allegations against Roper in a report to Columbia County Sheriff's investigators.
Investigators said there is an open and active investigation, but they're unclear on which jurisdiction the investigation should fall under.
But Hudson said it's not only the police who know about Roper's actions.
In emails WFXG obtained, an associate of Hudson's emailed superior court judge Daniel Craig his concerns. The subject line promised the email would remain between them "100%"
In the email, Craig acknowledges Roper threatened Hudson with arrest.
When we asked Craig about the email, he said the only thing he could conclude was that "100% wasn't 100%"
You may remember my meeting with Judge Roper earlier this month.
Since that meeting, the police report with Columbia County had been filed - but when we sent a copy of the report to Roper requesting comment, he had no response. We're also awaiting comment on Judge Craig's email about Hudson's claims.
Hudson said he hopes he can finally move forward from this ordeal that he says has hurt his family and career.
It was his own experience that led Hudson to dig into the guardian ad litem system…and what he said he found was troubling.
It's the same evidence WFXG was eventually given by multiple sources: reports of inappropriate behavior by former guardian and magistrate judge Doug Nelson.
He says his own investigative work led him to a meeting of guardian ad litems, where he said he listened in via a source's phone.
Hudson said when Judge David Roper found out he had listened in, word passed through the legal community that Roper was preparing a warrant for his arrest because of the eavesdropping. Hudson said he found out from a relative of his. Roper denies threatening anyone with arrest, but does say he suggested the recording of the meeting may be in violation of state or federal law.
Hudson said this threat of imprisonment forced him to drop the story.
Earlier this month, Hudson detailed his allegations against Roper in a report to Columbia County Sheriff's investigators.
Investigators said there is an open and active investigation, but they're unclear on which jurisdiction the investigation should fall under.
But Hudson said it's not only the police who know about Roper's actions.
In emails WFXG obtained, an associate of Hudson's emailed superior court judge Daniel Craig his concerns. The subject line promised the email would remain between them "100%"
In the email, Craig acknowledges Roper threatened Hudson with arrest.
When we asked Craig about the email, he said the only thing he could conclude was that "100% wasn't 100%"
You may remember my meeting with Judge Roper earlier this month.
Since that meeting, the police report with Columbia County had been filed - but when we sent a copy of the report to Roper requesting comment, he had no response. We're also awaiting comment on Judge Craig's email about Hudson's claims.
Hudson said he hopes he can finally move forward from this ordeal that he says has hurt his family and career.
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