Former Mississippi Democratic Party chairman and teacher arrested after drunken fight with a judge

Jamie Franks, former chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party and a state representative from 2000 to 2007, was arrested in Lee County early Tuesday morning on misdemeanor charges resulting from a drunken fight.

Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson said deputies responded to a residence in Mooreville around 1 a.m., Jan. 14 after a 911 call complained of people drinking, WTVA reports.

Franks and Carrie Riley, a teacher, were in the home of Lee County Judge James Moore and all three appeared to be very drunk.

Johnson told the station that Franks and Moore were arguing, and when deputies attempted to separate them, Franks chest-bumped a deputy. A second deputy reportedly suffered a shoulder injury attempting to control Franks.

The deputies arrested Franks on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Riley followed Franks to the patrol cars despite deputies telling her to stay seated, telling the deputies to let him go. Deputies also arrested Riley, charging her with failure to comply and resisting arrest.

Judge Moore was not arrested and is not facing charges; however, he does have prior arrests for alcohol-related offenses, WLBT reports.

Franks and Riley each received an $800 bond on the misdemeanor charges; however, additional charges may be filed in the case, according to the sheriff.