A Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Faces Multiple Felony Charges for Using Public Funds to His Benefit

Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gilbert P. Self, who faces many felony charges for allegedly misusing over $150,000 in public funds, had a hearing at the Lauderdale County Courthouse on Tuesday, June 3rd. Both the defense and the prosecution acknowledged during the proceedings that they were unable to come to a plea deal. Presiding Judge Tim Jolley consequently scheduled the trial for October 20th, 2025. Among the 18 charges against Judge Self, who was accused in January 2024, are 16 counts of using his position for personal gain, one count of making false representations to state auditors, and one case of perjury. According to a state audit, the longstanding judge allegedly paid his son and made personal expenditures, such as furniture and booze, using public funds. The criminal proceedings against Self are still unresolved, despite reports that he has reimbursed the disputed funds. Ralph Holt, a local lawyer, was with Self, who is still receiving full salary until the issue is settled. Given Self’s lengthy tenure in the Lauderdale County legal system, the case has attracted a lot of public attention.