After 3-month absence, judge calls it quits

NORFOLK

Circuit Judge Alfred M. Tripp has resigned from the court, his lawyer said Thursday.

Tripp has been missing from his courtroom since Oct. 16. No explanation has been offered, although a source said in October that Tripp had been barred from the courthouse.

His lawyer, Carl Eason, confirmed via e-mail Thursday that Tripp had resigned "for personal considerations" but said confidentiality requirements prevented him from commenting further.

Eason said Tripp declined to comment.

State Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said she was "shocked" about the resignation. She serves on the Courts of Justice Committee, which will have to start looking for a replacement.

"I don't know what his rationale or his reason is," she said. "I hope he's well."

The justice committee also must find a successor to Norfolk Circuit Judge Jerome James, who is retiring.

Tripp was appointed to the General District Court bench in April 2003. He rose to the Circuit Court in 2006. Former Sen. Nick Rerras cited Tripp's 25 years of experience as a lawyer in nominating him.

Before becoming a judge, Tripp defended clients in criminal and traffic cases and worked on debt collection matters. He attended law school at George Washington University in Washington. He worked in the commonwealth's attorney's office in Portsmouth and for Tidewater Legal Aid Society before entering private practice.

As a Marine, Tripp served as an officer in Vietnam and as judge for special courts-martial.

Circuit Court Clerk George E. Schaefer said Thursday he appreciated Tripp's work.

"He served us and served us well," Schaefer said.

Staff writer Julian Walker contributed to this report.

Michelle Washington, (757) 446-2287, michelle.washington@pilotonline.com