A crowd gathered in the 128th District Court Wednesday afternoon around the taped outline of a human body. Crime scene tape decorated a table with cake and other goodies. The unusual set-up was created for the retirement party of Deputy James Lucia, who has served as the court bailiff for State Judge Courtney Arkeen (left) for the past few years. Lucia is retiring after 30 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The decorations included a height chart so guests could get a “mug shot” with Lucia. Judge Arkeen also bought his service weapon so he could keep it. Sheriff Keith Merritt and others paid tribute. Lucia’s plans include a two-month trip to Italy later in the spring.
The judge and the rest of her staff, court reporter Holli Harrison and court coordinator Latouia DuBois, wore buttons reading “Bailiff Babe”
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