The NAACP has called for the resignation of a Madison County judge after accusations that he assaulted a man with special needs.Several witnesses claimed Judge Bill Weisenberger used racial slurs and attacked the 20-year-old man while he moonlighted as a security guard at the Canton Flea Market.Witnesses said Weisenberger called Eric Rivers the N-word and slapped and kicked him to the ground."He's a gentle soul, and because he was mentally challenged, he was a child that was simply looking for work. He didn't want to harm anybody and didn't think anybody would harm him," said Vickie McNeill, a family friend. "He's frightened by the whole experience."Canton NAACP President William Truly said he's appalled by what happened to Rivers and said Weisenberger should resign from his position as a judge."We want to know whether or not this alleged crime rises (to the level) of a hate crime. We feel if this crime was made by Weisenberger that he should be removed from office," Truly said.Canton Mayor Arnel Bolden said the case is still under investigation, and the city is working with law enforcement to determine what happened."This is a very sensitive and serious matter as it involves an elected official, and we want to make sure we follow the proper protocol in terms of how we take any kind of legal action," Bolden said.The complaint has been turned over to a grand jury, but no criminal charges have been filed so far.

The NAACP has called for the resignation of a Madison County judge after accusations that he assaulted a man with special needs.

Several witnesses claimed Judge Bill Weisenberger used racial slurs and attacked the 20-year-old man while he moonlighted as a security guard at the Canton Flea Market.


Witnesses said Weisenberger called Eric Rivers the N-word and slapped and kicked him to the ground.

"He's a gentle soul, and because he was mentally challenged, he was a child that was simply looking for work. He didn't want to harm anybody and didn't think anybody would harm him," said Vickie McNeill, a family friend. "He's frightened by the whole experience."

Canton NAACP President William Truly said he's appalled by what happened to Rivers and said Weisenberger should resign from his position as a judge.

"We want to know whether or not this alleged crime rises (to the level) of a hate crime. We feel if this crime was made by Weisenberger that he should be removed from office," Truly said.

Canton Mayor Arnel Bolden said the case is still under investigation, and the city is working with law enforcement to determine what happened.

"This is a very sensitive and serious matter as it involves an elected official, and we want to make sure we follow the proper protocol in terms of how we take any kind of legal action," Bolden said.

The complaint has been turned over to a grand jury, but no criminal charges have been filed so far.