Grand jury now in Haynes’ hands
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Taking the oath of office this week was newly installed Grand Jury Foreperson Sandra Haynes, who was appointed by incoming Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley for a two-year term.
“She’s one of the most intelligent people I know,” Stanley said in making the appointment. “I believe she’ll do a great job.”
Haynes said she is looking forward to her new role which begins with the regular session next Friday. Later in the year, the grand jury will begin meeting the first Friday of the month.
“It should be a great challenge. I’m looking forward to it,” Haynes said. “It’ll be a learning process because I’ve never served on a jury before.”
The grand jury foreperson presides over the grand jury panel which listens to cases and decides whether indictments are warranted. While the foreperson is appointed for a two-year term, the grand jury panel which the foreperson oversees is chosen for six-month terms, meaning Haynes will oversee at least four different panels.
The panel can also conduct limited investigations at the direction of the judge.
Haynes is replacing Gipson who served several terms beginning in 1995. Gipson, often a controversial figure, led several investigative grand juries, probing into alleged malfeasance on the local level. It was also Gipson who presided over the grand jury which first indicted District Attorney General Dale Potter.
Gipson’s service was praised by former Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston last month following his last official grand jury meeting, with the judge noting Gipson had to “put up with a lot” during his terms of office.