6 names recommended to governor to replace Judge Hulsey

Hulsey resigned in January while under investigation for alleged remarks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The nominating commission has given Gov. Rick Scott six names of possible replacements for Duval County Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey, who resigned last year while under investigation by the statewide judicial panel.

The Fourth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission conducted applicant interviews during its noticed public meeting on April 6.

Recommended Videos



The commission selected six possible replacements. They are:

  • Meredith Charbula
  • Michael Fackler
  • R. Kyle Gavin
  • Lee Kellison
  • Honorable Eric Roberson
  • David Tucker

Hulsey, 66, resigned from office one day before the Florida Legislature was to hold a hearing on accusations of him making racist and sexist remarks to his staff.

Hulsey was also facing a June judicial hearing before the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission.

Hulsey was accused of saying that blacks should "get back on a ship and go back to Africa" and referring to women staff attorneys as being "like cheerleaders who talk during the national anthem." The 4th Judicial Circuit judge was also accused of referring to a female staff lawyer as a "bitch" and a "c---," after she complained to the chief judge that Hulsey was overusing staff attorneys.

In his resignation letter, Hulsey did not make reference to the accusations against him.