Piedmont Judicial Superior Court Judge David Motes denied a motion by defense counsel to recuse Judge Currie Mingledorff in trying a man accused of setting fire to his father's Barrow County church in 2005.
Prosecutors have charged Maurice Arnold with two counts of first degree arson, one count criminal conspiracy and one count vandalism to a place of worship.
On Friday's hearing, Motes heard arguments from Athens-based attorney Jim Smith, representing Arnold, and Barrow County District Attorney assistant James Knox, representing the state. Mingledorff was not present in the courtroom.
Motes told Smith in Friday's hearing that he didn't see any allegations that would warrant a recusal.