A Daviess Circuit Court judge is recusing himself from presiding over the case of a well-known Owensboro businessman. Judge Joe Castlen has announced that he will step down from hearing Billy Joe Miles’ case.
Miles is charged with sexually assaulting a woman at his home over the summer. He pleaded not guilty this week to charges of rape, sodomy, and bribing a witness.
During the arraignment hearing, Judge Castlen said he was considering recusing himself, given that he has been seen with Miles in the community and had spoken highly of his daughter, State Representative Suzanne Miles. Judge Castlen’s replacement will be Hardin Circuit Court Judge Kelly Easton.
