Adams County’s only Justice Court baliff has been suspended from duty following a routine audit from the State Auditor’s office.

Justice Court Judge Mary Toles said Monday that baliff Ronnie Wells, who also serves as a constable for the county, is &uot;on leave without pay.&uot;

Wells has worked for the county for more than a decade.

As baliff, Wells serves as security for Justice Court. As constable he performs duties for the county such as serving subpoenas.

Apparently the reason for his suspension is two-fold — one related to his working in two capacities for the county and another undisclosed reason.

&uot;The only thing I can tell you is he’s still employed with the county,&uot; said Justice Court Judge Charlie Vess. &uot;But he’s been laid off temporarily.&uot;

According to Vess the State Auditor’s office said last week that Wells shouldn’t be allowed to work as both baliff and constable. Vess said court workers were disappointed, but wouldn’t elaborate on other things the auditors found. &uot;I regret I can’t get into more,&uot; he said.

Officials with the State Auditor’s office were mum on the subject.

&uot;We can’t confirm nor deny that we even have a case open again (Wells),&uot; said Pete Smith, a spokesman for the office.

Smith said his office gets a number of complaints each day and as a rule they don’t comment on them publicly until the office’s investigative division gets involved. He said a determination of jurisdiction has to be made. &uot;If it’s dealing with public money or state money, we have authority over it,&uot; Smith said.

Wells could not be reached for comment Monday.