CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – On the second day of the hearing for Tom Bordeaux, the judge returned to the stand to address accusations that he is neglecting his responsibilities.

The Chatham County probate judge is currently being scrutinized by the Judicial Qualification Commission (JQC) due to claims that he has failed to process several cases promptly.

Bordeaux is confronted with inquiries related to 10 official charges, filed by the JQC in October 2024, which include allegations of intentional misconduct and neglecting his duties.

The JQC’s 10-count indictment, issued by Director Courtney Veal and Deputy Director Ashton Murphy, accuses Bordeaux of breaching at least two rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

According to the Code of Judicial Conduct, judges must “perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, and without bias or prejudice.” Additionally, they are obligated to “resolve all judicial matters fairly, promptly, and efficiently.”

While Bordeaux conceded to having made errors and admitted to “dropping the ball” in certain cases, he attributed these issues to inadequate staffing and funding in his office, insisting that he is doing everything possible to fulfill his role.

“I’m tired of working long hours. I can’t keep working the hours. I won’t keep working the hours.” Bordeaux said. “Maybe you all will decide i shouldn’t work any. One way to fix that is to depend more on competent lawyers in cases where I can. And I’m thrilled to do that.”

The JQC also asked the judge why he took the probate judge job in the first place. He said he thought it would be easy, almost a part-time job, but quickly learned that was not the case.

He said Probate Court was almost a tougher job than other courts because of the caseload.

He added that the Chatham County Probate Court is in a better place than it was when he got into office.

The claim is that Bordeaux did not handle a dozen or more cases in a timely manner, cases that took years to come to a conclusion and some that still are outstanding because of Bordeaux’ inaction.

When asked what he would do as a punishment for his alleged inaction, Bordeaux was defiant and said he should not be forced from office.

“If I need to be beaten. I’ve been beaten enough already flogged. I need to be reprimanded. Then you won’t embarrass me any more than I’ve already been embarrassed by what I brought myself here. So, I don’t know what your range of options are, but I don’t want to be removed. I don’t think I deserve to be removed.”

Bordeaux did say he would take help from former Savannah City Manager Pat Monahan as well as another former judge offering to aid him in knocking down the caseload.

Considering the investigations and charges, Bordeaux was asked if he was glad that he took the job in the first place.

“I don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have this,” the judge said. “I don’t have any hobbies other than getting away and going hiking for a weekend. And my wife works all the time, too. And our children are gone. So, I had a total misapprehension and I’m glad I did.”

Bordeaux also said because of his age, 71, and his other interests, he would not commit to running for another term in 2028,

The case should conclude Wednesday.