Putnam Courts Limiting In-Person Proceedings

Thirteenth District Chancellor Ronald Thurman has issued an order limiting some Putnam County Court operations until November 30th.

The request was sent down Wednesday and filed Thursday. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said only in-person proceedings protecting constitutional rights can be conducted.

“Chancellor Thurman’s order does list that there are several exceptions to the prohibition of in-person proceedings,” Dunaway said. “Most of those are in the category of protecting constitutional rights of citizens.”

Dunaway said cases involving people in custody, bond hearings and pleas will continue to be held. Four county clerk employees have tested positive for COVID in the last week.

“There has been quite a few COVID positive folks that work in the courthouse in the Justice Center,” Dunaway said. “I think probably the chancellor’s rationale was just for the next couple of weeks to try and limit exposure.”