Clarification was provided on the status of Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Meng Lim’s oversight of the Drug Court by the Council for Accountability Court Judges on Thursday.

In a follow-up email from CACJ Executive Director Taylor Jones, she reported that Judge Lim filed an order to recuse himself from oversight of the program until the matter with the Judicial Qualifications Commission is completed. He also voluntarily recused himself of control over other accountability court programs at this time.

“Judge Lim’s recusal was effective February 23, 2022. Further, the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit Adult Felony Drug Court program is provisionally state certified until May 31, 2022,” Jones reported in her first e-mail exchange with Polk Today. “CACJ will provide technical assistance and oversight to support the court in their efforts to achieve full state-certification by May 31, 2022.”

“CACJ’s mission is to provide a unified framework that promotes and improves the quality, accessibility, and administration of the accountability courts under its purview,” she added.

In an additional follow-up email, Jones stated that no changes will happen to those current participants in the Drug Court program or any other accountability court within the circuit.

“With the (expectation) of a new presiding judge, the participants should not experience any gaps in supervision or services provided,” she said.

She added that “participants will continue to be supervised by the program and they will continue to receive evidence-based treatment for their substance use disorders.”

The court’s provisional certification without Judge Lim at the helm means that the court has 90 days to meet the state standards and practices that are nationally recognized by the CACJ.

“During that time, CACJ staff will provide the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit Adult Felony Drug Court program and its various team members with technical assistance and connect them with peers as needed,” Jones explained. “At the end of the 90-day period, the program will be required to submit evidence to CACJ that they are meeting state standards.”

Jones did not expand upon what deficiencies the court has fallen short, when asked in a follow-up email.

Judge Lim’s oversight of the Tallapoosa Circuit Drug Court has come under question by the JQC, who filed charges last year and then followed up with additional charges in late January when additional improprieties were found.

Check back as this story continues to develop and more information becomes available.