NORRIS — Local attorney Ken Roper of the Roper Law Firm in Liberty recently announced that he is stepping down from his position as Municipal Judge for the town of Norris, a position he has held since January of 2008.

Roper decided to step down due to the expansion of his current criminal defense and DUI practice to include cases made by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Continuing to preside over cases in Norris could have presented a conflict of interest for Roper since the sheriff’s office provides police protection to the town of Norris, he said.

“I appreciate the trust the mayor and town council of Norris have placed in me by allowing me to serve as municipal judge during these past three years,” Roper said. “Norris is a wonderful place, and its leaders and employees, especially town clerk Ann Clardy, have made my service there an honor and a pleasure.

“However, in order to avoid any potential for a conflict of interest with my growing criminal defense practice, I have decided that I can no longer serve Norris as its judge.”

Roper also currently serves as municipal judge for the town of Liberty, and will continue in that position as Liberty has its own police department.