Ravalli County Judges Recused From Himes Case

Both state judges in Ravalli County have recused themselves from hearing an investment fraud case against a self-described pastor.

District Judge James Haynes withdrew from the case on Oct. 11 after Harris Himes filed a motion to disqualify Haynes. In an affidavit, Himes said he could not receive a fair trial before Haynes because Himes refused to support his bid for the District Court judgeship.

District Judge Jeffrey Langton declined the case on Oct. 17. In 2005, Himes led an unsuccessful petition for a special election seeking to recall Langton.

Himes and co-defendant James "Jeb" Bryant are charged with fraud, theft and conspiracy after a man lost $150,000 he invested in a company owned by Bryant and Himes.

Associated Press