The state court tasked with weighing complaints against members of Alabama’s court system has ruled that former Cullman County District Judge Kim Chaney was in violation of state ethics rules when he assigned cases to his son, a local attorney.

After taking up complaints against Chaney referred by the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission — the state body tasked with investigating complaints of judicial misconduct — the Alabama Court of the Judiciary found Chaney responsible for three violations in connection with case appointments made to Alex Chaney, his son, dating from 2015 to 2017.

In addition to finding Chaney in violation, the court has ordered him to reimburse the $3,731 cost of his prosecution. Under Alabama law, Chaney may appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Alabama.

Earlier this month, Chaney retired from a 27-year career as district judge for Alabama’s 32nd judicial circuit. He was serving his fifth term in the office. A temporary replacement will be appointed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, following a local vetting process that will see the Cullman County Republican Party’s executive committee recommend three applicants for the position.