The Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice is currently investigating Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James.

According to Anastasia Burton, Deputy Communications Director with the Montana Department of Justice, the investigation is being conducted at the request of Mineral County Attorney Marcia Boris.

“The investigation involves missing court funds,” Burton said in an email to the Mineral Independent.

Currently Judge James is on voluntary leave, with her duties being relegated to several substitute judges.

A timetable of when Judge James will return and the status of the investigation has not yet been released by authorities.

Judge James has served as the justice of the peace since 1998. Since her first election she was re-elected four times to the four-year post – recently edging out Muriah Alexander by approximately 250 votes.

Since the publication of the Missoulian’s article regarding James’ voluntary leave ran on July 30, speculation has run through the county as to the details and motives behind it.

As a result of this speculation amongst the public, another Wanda James – who currently works at Mineral Community Hospital – has been the target of rumors stating that she is also under investigation.

Rumors that, according to MCH Outreach Coordinator Monte Turner, are not true.

“Not at all,” Turner said of the allegations. “She is embarrassed by the negative attention that she has been receiving, but will live through it.”

The Mineral Independent will continue to pursue this story and report the facts as they are released.