Durham judge facing assault, domestic violence charges

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Durham judge is facing domestic violence charges.

Durham County Chief District Court Judge Clayton Jones is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence after an alleged fight at an Advance Auto store.

Jones allegedly took a woman to get some work done on her car on Nov. 29. An apparent argument ensued between the two that day, and Jones is accused of allegedly grabbing her by the neck.

According to court documents, the woman called 911 but hung up. 911 operators reportedly called back twice but got no answer.

Jones' attorneys called the accusations against him false.

"These events that led to the false accusation happened at a local business," his attorneys, Bill Thomas and Kellie Mannette, said in part. "During the exhaustive police investigation, not a single eyewitness was found at the business who supported the false claim of assault. Being a judge comes with the public eye and additional scrutiny. Judge Jones deeply respects the court process and expects to be quickly vindicated in this matter."

ABC11 also learned that the woman had a protective order against Jones that expires Tuesday.

Jones was released on a $500 bond. The case has been given a change of venue and was moved to Guilford County with a Jan. 15 court date.

Judge Doretta L. Walker, a district court judge, has been appointed on a temporary basis to replace Jones during his absence.

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