DeSoto County judge returns to bench after DUI arrest

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - DeSoto County Judge Karen Sanders returned to the bench Monday to preside over cases in Justice Court nine days after her DUI arrest.

The DeSoto County Justice Center said Sanders will continue judging cases despite her arrest after being pulled over by Hernando police on December 6. She was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Defendants who appeared before Judge Sanders, some charged with the same crime, expressed mixed reactions to seeing the judge back on the bench.

“I was shocked because now, she kind of knows how it feels a little bit,” said Emily Moretta, who appeared before Judge Sanders. “You want to judge people on things that they do wrong, and you did wrong yourself.”

Bryttanie Burris, another defendant, questioned Sanders’ fitness to serve.

“I think she still believes that she’s above a lot of us. And I don’t think anything will get done punishment-wise [to Judge Sanders] like it would towards a regular citizen,” Burris said.

Randhy Sanchez said he was surprised to see someone in Sanders’ position face such charges.

“Seeing these people in higher positions, you expect them to be law-abiding citizens or uphold the law very well, so, just very surprising to see something like that,” Sanchez said.

Action News 5 submitted a request to bring a camera into Judge Sanders’ courtroom, but was denied entry to the courtroom with any recording device.

Judge Karen Sanders is due in court for her case on April 1.

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