New judge appointed in Athens burglary case after previous judge recused herself

Western Circuit Superior Court Judge Lisa Lott, who refused a plea bargained sentence on June 13 for a convicted felon, has removed herself from presiding over future proceedings of the case.

Lott recused herself on June 18 following a motion from the defendant’s attorney, Matt Lester of the Western Circuit Public Defender’s Office. Lester filed a motion that Lott has “exhibited bias and prejudice” in the case.

The motion also questions her impartiality based on statements she made at the June 13 hearing, which began as a guilty plea proceeding.

The defendant, Rashard T. Blackshear, 35, of Athens, had pleaded guilty to three felony crimes and three misdemeanors, expecting a sentence of seven years in prison to run concurrent with seven years he is currently serving.

Blackshear Case:Athens judge refuses to accept plea deal, burglary suspect opts for trial

The plea deal, which Blackshear wanted, was negotiated between Lester and Athens area District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez.

However, Lott refused the deal and sentenced Blackshear to 20 years in prison, citing his 16 felony convictions over the years. Blackshear then withdrew his plea and can now opt for a jury trial. Lott explained to Blackshear that she was considering his lengthy criminal record in refusing the negotiated deal.

A deputy clerk in the Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Court’s office has reassigned the case to Judge Eric Norris.