The Durham Police Department arrested the chief judge for Durham County’s District Court on allegations of domestic violence and assaulting a woman.
Clayton Jones Jr., 47, of Durham, faces misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and domestic violence.
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Jones is accused of assaulting a woman, hitting her and grabbing the back of her neck with his hand. An arrest warrant states Jones was in a recent relationship with the victim.
Police arrested Jones on Monday.
Durham police said the charge stems from a Nov. 29 domestic violence incident at Kate Street near South Briggs Avenue in Durham.
Authorities booked Jones at the Orange County Detention Center. He is no longer in custody, according to court records.
Jones is due in court on Jan. 5, 2026.
However, Jones' case could move to Guilford County, but that discussion won't start until next year.
In 2018, Jones was elected as Durham County District Court judge.
Jones' lawyers Bill Thomas and Kellie Mannette issued a statement on his behalf calling the allegations "entirely false."
"These event that led to the false accusation happened at a local business. The entire interaction was witnessed by a service professional. This person was present in a professional capacity and not a family member or personal friend to either party. The witness has unequivocally and consistently told police that Judge Jones did not assault anyone. In fact, during the exhaustive police investigation not a single eyewitness was found at the business who supported the false claim of assault.
Being a judge comes with the public eye and additional scrutiny. Judge Jones deeply respects the court process and expects to be quickly vindicated in this matter."