Kingston Trial Judge Will Not Recuse

KSL-TV/November 5, 2004

A juvenile court judge, who himself says he personally feels targeted, will continue to preside over the child custody case involving polygamist John Daniel Kingston.

A presiding judge has denied a motion filed by Kingston's attorney asking for Judge Andrew Valdez's removal.

The attorney says Valdez shouldn't decide the case because he has suggested he might be targeted by another member of the Kingston clan.

Valdez says someone in the Kingston family was spying on his private parking place at the Matheson courthouse.

Officers did find a man on courthouse property late at night... but he told officers he was just taking pictures.

Valdez also claims he received threats after he removed ten of Kingston's children from the home of one of his wives.

The Kingstons deny any involvement.