WINFIELD, West Virginia -
New videos have been released of a Putnam County Family Court judge yelling and swearing at families in his courtroom, drawing the ire of those on the receiving end.
At an April 19 hearing, Judge William Watkins yelled at Bob Parker for allegedly withholding child support payments from his ex-wife. Parker challenged that.
"I don't like the idea that this guy can go around playing God," said Parker.
Parker provided a copy of courtroom video and audio to of the hearing to us.
Watkins can be seen and heard using profanity, raising his voice and slamming a stack of papers against a desk.
"If people don't want to get chewed out, they should comply with the courts order," said Watkins from his chambers Thursday.
Watkins gained national attention after a video surfaced of him shouting at Putnam County pastor Art Hage over a published photograph of his house.
That incident, according to Watkins, was his one incident of inappropriate behavior.
"If somebody needs a talking to, put the fear of God into them, it's better than having the cops go out and shoot you," said Watkins.
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals looked into the incidents, according to Administrative Director Steve Canterbury. No misconduct was found on Watkins' part.
"Ninety-nine percent of the cases, I'm very calm, very laid back. Many think I'm too soft," said Watkins.
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