Thomas bar association hearing begins

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - UPDATE: The Alabama Bar Association has disbarred former judge Herman Thomas. The decision happened this afternoon in Downtown Mobile, after a hearing on ethics charges against Thomas.
 

10:58 a.m. Herman Thomas arrived Government Plaza's Ceremonial Courtroom Monday morning for a confidential hearing with the Alabama Bar Association.

Thomas did not say anything when asked about the hearing, or whether he would waive a motion to allow the media inside to cover the proceedings.

However, Thomas' attorney Bob Clark did have a comment.

"Got a flag we'll waive it. Other than that we're not waiving anything," said Clark.

The hearing is expected to get underway at 10:00.

"The process allows for witnesses and exhibits, examination and cross examination and arguments of counsel," said Tony McLain with the Alabama Bar Association.

Monday morning, a young black male who said he was subpoenaed to the hearing identified himself as a defendant in Thomas' courtroom.

"I was sentenced by Thomas," he said.

During the trial, all of the alleged accusers were young black men who accused Thomas of paddling them in exchange for leniency.

The hearing could last all day, or longer.

"The decision can be but is not required to be made immediately following the hearing. The charges are not public information at this time," said McLain.

Thomas was acquitted in a criminal case of paddling inmates in October of 2009.