Atlantic Beach loses town judge

Atlantic Beach no longer has a town judge after its judge resigned earlier this month, according to town officials.

Charles Thompson Jr., who was hired nearly six months ago as the town's judge, resigned March 1.

Town Manager William Booker said Thompson, of Durham, N.C., did not give a reason for his resignation. Thompson could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Thompson, who also did bookkeeping for the town before being named its judge, held his first court date in December, according to town officials.

The town holds court once a month, Booker said.

Booker said he has talked to council members about Thompson's resignation and that council members are waiting for him to bring candidates to them.

Booker also said he has talked with Horry County Chief Magistrate Gerald Whitley about the vacancy in the town.

"He's indicated he will help in any way he can," Booker said of Whitley.

Whitley said he and town officials haven't talked about the possibility of him picking up any of the town's cases, which would have to be approved through the state Supreme Court.

The next municipal court date in Atlantic Beach is April 20, "so the town has some time to get a judge in place," Booker said.

The Town Council's next regularly scheduled meeting is April 5, but council members could call a special meeting if necessary.

Booker said previous and new applicants will be considered for the position.