Online racial comments about Pinellas-Pasco judge prompt investigation, added security

Racially charged comments posted to an online forum about local judges has prompted an increase in security and investigation by law enforcement.

The anonymous comments criticize Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Michael Andrews for his handling of past cases. Many of the comments also contain threats, epithets and racially insensitive remarks about Andrews, who is African-American.

A number of comments on the judicial forum note that Andrews is up for re-election. He is facing opposition from Deborah Moss, a private attorney and former assistant public defender in Clearwater.

Thomas McGrady, chief judge of the Pinellas-Pasco circuit, said the comments were enough to prompt an investigation by law enforcement and extra security measures. He said he could not elaborate on judges' security.

"It's disgusting and obviously just racially motivated," McGrady said. "It's just activity that can't be condoned especially … as judges we're in a difficult situation. Every situation we make, at least one side's going to be unhappy with what we do — sometimes both sides.

"It's just the nature of the biz. We hope people understand that."