A  local Justice Court judge was ordered this week to pay $12,301 plus court costs in a debt collection lawsuit brought by Discover Bank.

The complaint alleged that Post 2 judge Roger Martin assumed responsibility for a credit card and did not pay.

Both Lincoln County Circuit Court judges, Mike Taylor and David Strong, recused themselves from the case and a special judge was appointed.

Martin’s attorney argued the credit card company was not entitled to any relief and the company failed to state a claim or cause of action upon which relief can be granted. The attorney also stated the credit card company’s right to maintain the suit was barred by the statute of limitations.

Special Circuit Court Judge Barry Ford disagreed. He found the company was entitled to a judgment against Martin.

Martin is running for re-election to the Post 2 seat. He was first elected in 2015.

A separate debt collection lawsuit brought against Martin is still pending in court.

Midland Funding LLC has alleged Martin is past due on a Lowe’s credit card in the amount of $10,002.

Ford was appointed as special judge in this case as well, after Taylor and Strong recused themselves.

Martin did not return a phone call seeking comment.

His attorney, Heather White Martin, could not be reached for comment.