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State told to repay judge's defense costs

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By TOM BRENNAN

tbrennan@tampatrib.com

Published: September 26, 2009

TAMPA - The Florida Supreme Court has ordered the state to reimburse $70,000 to Hillsborough Circuit Judge Gregory Holder for his expenses in successfully defending himself against plagiarism charges.

"I'm pleased this final chapter has ended with the Judicial Qualifications Commission paying costs that I incurred successfully clearing my name and reputation," Holder said today.

The seven-judge high court panel this month entered a judgment ratifying an agreement that Holder's attorneys struck with the state's JQC in August.

The JQC cleared Holder in 2005 of charges he plagiarized a research paper about eight years earlier. The dismissal was unanimous.

Holder attempted to recover $1.77 million in legal fees he spent defending himself. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that it didn't have authority to award such fees, but justices said the state constitution would allow for payment of costs.

Holder asked for $140,870 in expenses in 2006.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 259-7698.

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