FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The state's highest court has denied an eastern Kentucky judge's bid to return to the bench after he was ousted for misconduct.

The Kentucky Supreme Court issued its opinion Monday in the case of former Harlan County Circuit Judge Russell Alred.

The state's Judicial Conduct Commission last year found Alred guilty of nine counts of judicial misconduct, saying he used his office for political and personal gain.

Alred had appealed the ruling, asking the Supreme Court to allow him to resume his duties. He charged that the judicial panel was duped by people with a political agenda.

The high court upheld eight counts of misconduct and reversed one, but agreed he should be removed from the bench for his pattern of misconduct and disregard for the law.

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