NARRATOR: Next, we head to Family Court in Putnam County,
West Virginia, for a divorce hearing.
The parties are Arthur Hage, a church pastor, and
his estranged wife, Lillian.
The judge is William Watkins III.
At issue is Hague's refusal to sign
a deed, which would allow his wife to sell their home.
But before things get started, Judge Watkins
has a stern warning for Hage.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: Mr Hage, if you say one word out of turn,
you're going to jail.
Do you understand me?
Yes or no?
NARRATOR: Judge Watkins is angry with Hage
because he believes the pastor revealed personal information
about him through the media.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: After we closed here,
you went out there and talked to a reporter.
This morning, I now see an article
with a picture of my home, my home on the front page.
I swear to you, I'm holding you personally
responsible for anything that happens at my house.
I promise you.
You and me are going to have a problem.
NARRATOR: Hage's name was not mentioned in the article, which
was about Judge Watson's standing in a local homeowner's
association.
But that doesn't stop him from continuing his attack.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: It's disgraceful.
Well, buddy it's personal.
And I promise you, you will not hear the end of it from me.
You know, when you threaten my family,
I will personally see to it that you never
see a free day in your life.
You understand that?
You're going to jail.
I swear to God.
NARRATOR: Watkins eventually calms down
and tries to get back on track.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: Do you swear
to give testimony that gives the truth
whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God.
Yes.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: Miss Wallace, what's
The nature of your motion?
Yep, the closing attorney is requiring his signature.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: All right, Mr Hage.
What's your response?
My response is I cannot sign this because it's against
my conviction.
NARRATOR: Watkins rules against Hage
and says he must sign the deed and pay a third party
to expedite the process.
I'm going to direct that Mr Hage
pay him the sum of $500 for his services no later than Friday.
I'll sign it.
I don't have that kind of money.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: I don't care.
You'll find it.
It's a damn lie and you know it's a damn lie!
I cannot--
WILLIAM WATKINS III: I'm about-- shut up.
I didn't tell you to talk.
Did I tell you to talk?
What did I tell you right at the beginning of the hearing?
Are you deaf?
Huh?
NARRATOR: The judge ultimately rules in favor of Lillian Hage
and orders the pastor to pay a number of expenses
once the house is sold.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: up.
I didn't ask you to speak.
NARRATOR: But Hage has his own response when he files
a complaint against Watkins with the Judicial
Investigation Commission.
Judge Watkins admits to overreacting
and recuses himself from the case.
But it doesn't end there.
It's later determined that Judge Watkins
has a history of berating litigants and attorneys.
I don't travel--
Ma'am, I didn't ask you for a-- a-- a speech.
I'm not-- I'm not--
Well, I'm not-- you know, you're saying that--
WILLIAM WATKINS III: Hush.
What, do you think this is funny?
No, I don't, sir.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: You want to go to jail now?
I don't. I don't think it's funny.
WILLIAM WATKINS III: Then, shut up.
Take his ass into custody.
I'm tired of him.
NARRATOR: Watkins' case makes it to the West Virginia Court
of Appeals where he's censured for 24 violations,
including his offensive language and failing to complete
required tasks, like entering protective orders
into the state's registry.
Watkins is suspended without pay for the remaining
four years of his term.