After approximately one-quarter century serving on the frontlines of Adams County’s fight against criminal behavior, Justice Court Judge Charlie Vess announced this week plans to retire later this month.

Vess’ departure comes as he awaits a reprimand from the Mississippi Supreme Court for effectively threatening a defendant who came before his court.

Vess told the young man to stop fidgeting and remove his hands from his jacket. Vess said if the man, who had been arrested previously in connection to a shooting, pulled anything but his hand from his jacket, the judge would pull his own gun for protection.

Officially, Vess overstepped his bounds as a judge, but from a public sentiment standpoint, who can blame him. He and other members of the justice community face tough odds and deal with an often less than cordial cast of characters.

Vess may not be the perfect, by-the-book judge, but few who know him would suggest he does not have his heart in the right place.

Law enforcement personnel who have worked with Vess through the years, say he’s a straight-shooting ally in their daily battle to fight crime. And despite the sometimes seedy characters that appear before him, he may dole out some tough love, but usually treats them with respect.

We will miss having him as an advocate for the law — and for common sense — in the justice court, but we wish him well in his retirement.