Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins has recused himself from presiding over the trial of former First United Methodist Church pastor Paige Williams and former daycare director Abby Leach.
In a statement at the beginning of a short hearing Friday morning, the judge said he granted the motion to recuse because he wants the cases to be resolved as quickly as possible without distraction.
Judge Atkins explained why he believes most of the claims made by attorney Bill Deatherage on behalf of Williams in his motion are frivolous.
He says a conversation he had with a church member outside of the courtroom is the only matter in the motion he saw that could warrant recusal.
He says a special judge from outside of Christian County will be appointed soon, as Judge Andrew Self has already recused himself from presiding over the case.
Meanwhile, the judge denied a motion from the attorney of Nina Morgan to reduce her bond while she awaits the results of an appeal of her one-year sentence.
Williams and Leach are accused of failing in their legal duty to protect children in their care from abuse by former daycare worker Allison Simpson, who was convicted last month of 12 counts of first-degree criminal abuse and 12 counts of third-degree criminal child abuse. All of the victims in the case are infants, under one-year old.
Morgan was convicted of one count of criminal abuse in the third-degree, a misdemeanor.
Judge Atkins had to decide the sentences for Simpson and Morgan after the jury was unable to come to a decision during the penalty phase.
Listen to the entire statement from Judge Atkins below: