Ex-Rome Judge James Scott Callan Sentenced in Sex Case

A former Rome municipal court judge has been sentenced to a year behind bars after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct charges.

At a Thursday sentencing hearing, J. Scott Callan was told to report to the Floyd County Jail on May 1 to begin serving the sentence. Callan, who will also serve 10 years probation, will be able to get out of jail after six months for good behavior.

Callan, 57, pleaded guilty last week to seven of eight false imprisonment and battery charges against him. He resigned from his judgeship last March and recently surrendered his license to practice law.

He was arrested and released on bail after two separate instances of alleged sexual misconduct in February and March of 2003. The charges brought against Callan in an August 2003 indictment claim he tried to kiss several women -- including an undercover agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation -- at his law office.

Judge Marion Cummings said he struggled with his decision to sentence Callan to a year in jail plus probation.

"This is one of the most difficult cases that has come before me in the many years I have practiced law," said Cummings, a retired senior judge for the Tallapoosa Circuit who was appointed to hear the case after local judges declined.

Nancy Keeney of Rome, who went to see Callan for advice regarding a divorce last year, was at the sentencing Thursday. She said she was pleased with the judge's decision and relieved to see the case wrapped up.

Keeney has also filed a civil lawsuit against Callan and his law firm.

Callan told the court there was "no intent on my part to commit a criminal act or to harm anyone."