Federal trial begins for suspended south Ga. judge

VALDOSTA -- A federal jury in Valdosta could begin hearing the criminal case against a suspended Clinch County judge. Associate Magistrate Judge Linda Peterson was indicted in September 2007 for perjury, making false statements and extortion charges. Jury selection is expected to be completed Tuesday. Prosecutors alleged that the 54-year-old Peterson told a defendant he could pay money to avoid a jail sentence. Comment on this story (Requires free registration) Rules: Keep it clean, respect others and use the 'report as violation' link for any comment you feel violates these basic rules. For more details, read the terms at the bottom of the... [read full story]