Durham Chief Judge Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges
DURHAM, N.C. – The man who usually sits behind the bench reportedly found himself on the other side of the law.
Clayton J. Jones Jr., the chief district court judge of Durham County, was arrested on assault and domestic violence charges, according to court records and a warrant filed by the Durham Police Department.
Authorities allege that Jones, 48, physically attacked a woman he was previously in a relationship with during an incident that reportedly happened on November 29. The alleged victim’s identity has not been released.
Police arrested Jones on Monday and he is now facing charges of assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence — charges that carry serious legal and career-ending implications, especially given his powerful role in the judicial system.
Records show Jones made his first court appearance the same day he was arrested and was released on a $500 secured bond. He is scheduled to return to court on January 15.
Jones was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving his second term on the bench. Even more surprising, just days before the alleged incident — on November 24 — Jones publicly announced that he intended to file for a third term in 2026.
As of now, no official statement has been released by Jones or the North Carolina Judicial Branch regarding the arrest.
