PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Circuit Court Judge Howard Keith Hall has been reinstated to the bench following his acquittal on all federal charges, according to an order issued Tuesday by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission. 

Hall, who serves Division II of Kentucky’s 35th Judicial Circuit in Pike County, had been under a temporary suspension since April 18 after being indicted in federal court. Under state judicial rules, judges indicted for felony-level offenses may be suspended from performing their duties while continuing to receive compensation.

Commission officials said the acquittal on November 18 removed the conditions that led to the suspension. As a result, the panel unanimously voted to lift all restrictions, allowing Hall to immediately resume his judicial duties at the Pike County Judicial Center.

The order formally vacates all limits placed on Hall earlier this year, including his access to judicial offices, resources, security credentials and courthouse facilities. 

The Commission noted that, under state rules, the reinstatement order is public record. To see the reinstatement order in its entirety, click here.