Oconee County Resident Sues Judge Danny Singleton for Judicial Misconduct, Extortion, Fraud, and Rights Violations

The lawsuit, which demands a jury trial, accuses Judge Singleton of multiple improprieties including judicial misconduct, violation of due process rights, retaliation, conspiracy to interfere with civil rights, extortion, harassment, fraud, and intentional interference with inheritance.

Seneca, SC – On February 1, 2024, Dorothy Pierce, a resident of Oconee County, South Carolina, filed a significant lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas, Tenth Judicial Circuit, against Judge Danny Singleton. The lawsuit, which demands a jury trial, accuses Judge Singleton of multiple improprieties including judicial misconduct, violation of due process rights, retaliation, conspiracy to interfere with civil rights, extortion, harassment, fraud, and intentional interference with inheritance.

Background of the Case

Dorothy Pierce, the plaintiff, is the surviving spouse of Doyle Elton Pierce, deceased, and was named as the Executor in his Last Will and Testament. The case revolves around the probate of Doyle Elton Pierce’s estate, where several judicial actions taken by Judge Singleton have been called into question.

Key Allegations

1. Violation of Due Process Rights: Pierce claims that Judge Singleton engaged in judicial misconduct by issuing orders without proper jurisdiction and pressuring her to settle the estate quickly under duress.

2. Retaliation for Exercising Protected Rights: The lawsuit details instances where Judge Singleton allegedly retaliated against Pierce for appealing court decisions, including threats to remove her as the Personal Representative of the estate.

3. Conspiracy to Interfere with Civil Rights: It is alleged that Judge Singleton colluded with others to impede Pierce’s efforts to legally protect her interests in the estate, constituting a conspiracy to violate her civil rights.

4. Extortion and Harassment: The complaint describes how Judge Singleton allegedly delayed the production of crucial probate records and later demanded an arbitrary fee for them, alongside harassing communications aimed at coercing Pierce into compliance.

5. Fraud and Intentional Interference with Inheritance: The suit accuses Judge Singleton of making false representations about the legal binding of agreements and issuing orders that were not agreed upon by all parties, thereby interfering with Pierce’s rightful inheritance.

Specific Incidents Highlighted

Initial Fraudulent Judgment: On August 18, 2021, the Probate Court entered a judgment setting aside the Last Will and Testament of Doyle Elton Pierce and removing Dorothy Pierce as the Personal Representative. Pierce claims this judgment was procured by fraudulent means. According to Pierce and the evidence presented, the signature exemplars used to invalidate the Will were as old as 55 years, with most dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. One signature, purportedly signed on May 18, 2020, and presented by Doyle Pierce’s son, a known felon, was allegedly forged. Text messages from Adam Pierce to Mrs. Pierce indicated that he had overslept and was unwell, thus would not be meeting her on May 18, 2020, contradicting the claim that he signed on that date.

Jurisdiction Issues: In July 2022, Judge Ashley Rice conducted a hearing and acknowledged that Mrs. Pierce had preserved the estate. However, due to conflicts among the parties, Judge Rice restrained Mrs. Pierce as Personal Representative and appointed Adam Lee as Special Administrator, despite ongoing appeals that, according to Pierce, stripped the Probate Court of jurisdiction.

Judge Singleton's Conduct: When Judge Singleton took office in June 2023, he was allegedly biased against Pierce, pressuring her to settle the estate quickly and threatening to sell the estate assets. Public records indicate that Judge Singleton attended Seneca High School with the children of Doyle Pierce, who are contesting the estate against Mrs. Pierce.

Settlement Disputes: On October 11, 2023, Adam Lee resigned, and Judge Singleton pressured the parties to settle the estate. Singleton signed a settlement order without obtaining all necessary signatures, leading to further disputes. Pierce alleges that Singleton did not consider any of her submissions towards the settlement and only considered arguments from the children and their attorney. Pierce filed an appeal on the family settlement order on October 13, 2023.

Amended Orders: Despite Pierce's appeal, Judge Singleton amended the settlement order on October 17, 2023, which Pierce claims was beyond his jurisdiction and did not consider her submissions in a settlement where she is entitled to 50% of the estate of her deceased husband as a surviving spouse.

Contempt and Removal Threats: Pierce alleges that Judge Singleton threatened to remove her as Personal Representative in retaliation for her appeal and issued an order of civil contempt.

Extortion Attempts: Pierce contends that Judge Singleton demanded an arbitrary fee for probate records after initially failing to provide them in a timely manner.

Relief Sought

Dorothy Pierce seeks various forms of relief, including:

Injunctive Relief: To prohibit further violations of her rights by Judge Singleton.

Declaratory Relief: To declare the actions of Judge Singleton unlawful and void.

Compensatory and Punitive Damages: For financial losses, emotional distress, and other injuries suffered due to the alleged misconduct.

Removal of Judge Singleton from the Case: To ensure a fair and unbiased probate process.

This lawsuit highlights serious concerns about judicial conduct and the protection of constitutional rights within the probate court system. The allegations against Judge Singleton raise important questions about the interpretation and application of judicial authority and the need for transparency and fairness in legal proceedings. As the case progresses, it will be closely monitored by the legal community and advocates for judicial reform.