California IN BRIEF : MERCED : Recall Urged of Judge in Molestation Case

A recall movement was started against a Merced County Superior Court judge because he allowed a convicted child molester to remain free pending an appeal of his case. Part-time high school teacher Ken Mackie said he is starting the recall against Judge Michael Hider to protect the children. If 10,000 signatures are collected, the recall will be placed on the ballot. A jury found Gary Parsons guilty Sept. 11 of molesting three boys. Hider sentenced him to 22 years, but ruled that Parsons could remain free in lieu of $300,000 bail, pending his appeal. Parsons failed to post the bail but has remained free.