Government

Dunston vs Mapp: Federal Judge Extends Restraining Order Against Mapp For Two More Weeks

ST. CROIX _- Federal Judge Curtis Gomez on Friday extended a two-week restraining order against Governor Kenneth Mapp by two more weeks, preventing the territory's leader from replacing Judge Michael Dunston with Judge Harold Willocks as presiding judge of the territory’s Superior Court. The order comes just two weeks after Judge Dunston filed suit against the governor, calling Mr. Mapp's attempt to replace him ill-conceived, an “egregious abuse of executive power, ” and misguided. The lawsuit also assailed the governor for violating the separation of powers balance. Judge Gomez said the that the court needed more time before making a final decision on the matter, given that briefs from attorneys of both Mr. Mapp and Judge Dunston were filed on July 5. "Given the recency of that filing; and given that the grounds for the temporary restraining order continue to exist, the Court finds that more time is required to consider the significant legal issues presented in this case. Ac...