Sentencing set for former Limestone County judge

[transcript] Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall calling for strict sentencing for a former limestone county judge and died it on theft and ethics charges. Doug Patterson pleaded guilty to those charges back in October. Generate joins us live outside the limestone county courthouse. Jenna, what were those charges? He pleaded guilty to using his own office for personal gain, financial exploitation of the elderly and theft court documents show the former judge stole more than $100,000 from people who trusted him and sought out his help. Doug Patterson was appointed as a district judge in limestone county in April of 2016. His former colleague Judge Robert Baker says Patterson started stealing 32 days later. Judge Baker submitted this letter to the state last week. He writes, Patterson used his position as a district judge to steal $7,500 from a juvenile fund. But that wasn't all. During court proceedings, we learned Patterson stole around $50,000 more from that same juvenile fund, as well as the same amount or more from a disabled marine veteran. Attorney General Steve Marshall, also called Patterson's crimes, quote, wicked. Marshall says he stole from the disabled, he stole from the dead, and he stole from the children of limestone county. In short, Patterson stole from those who couldn't protect themselves. This is just part of the 13-page plea Marshall submitted for Patterson's strict sentencing. Marshall and Baker both say that a steep sentence is deserved, especially when a public official violates a note of office. Marshall says when powerful people commit crimes, powerful consequences should follow. Judge Baker says he expects Patterson to be sentenced to the highest degree possible. A.G. Marshall echoed that, saying a base sentence for Patterson is 15 years in one day in a state prison. The former Judge will be here next Tuesday for his final sentencing. We'll be here and bringing you the latest on air online and on social media reporting to live in limestone county. W-A-F-F-48 news on your site.