DENTON, Md. - Caroline County's only Circuit Court judge is not hearing cases right now.
Judge Jonathan Newell is on a leave of absence, according to the office of Governor Larry Hogan.
In a statement, the Governor's Office said Newell is "on leave of absence, and a judge has been assigned to his docket."
The Caroline County Circuit Court says Newell is on paid leave for the next two weeks.
Despite abundant chatter on social media and among legal circles regarding the reason for Newell's absence, nothing has yet been confirmed.
Newell, who was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2016 by Governor Larry Hogan won re-election in 2018.
Previously, he served as Caroline County's State's Attorney and as a public defender.
We will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.
